Essentia

For those who Believed,

And for those who Didn’t.                                                              I love you all.

Essentia
        
The Heart of Aelmere

By
Ninana Howard

This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, businesses, places, events and incidents are either the products of the author’s imagination or used in a fictitious manner. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, or actual events is purely coincidental. Including Fictional Character’s, Places and Names.

© 2016 Author Ninana Howard All rights reserved.

© Publisher Createspace. All distribution, sales and advertising.

Content, Editing, Cover design done by Ninana Howard.

If You wish to use any part of the content or cover, Please Email Me at
[email protected]
To get permission.

The Curse of                    Aelmere Series

                  Book 1

Book 1  The Heart of Aelmere – Now Available

Book 2   The Torment of Aelmere – Coming Soon

Book 3   The Healing of Aelmere – Coming Soon

        Chapter One

                Terra’s Dream

   Well, its has happened again. For the last five months, I have had the same dream almost every night. It always starts out with me standing alone in a vast field under the biggest tree I have ever seen. The leaves are full and green like something you would see in the spring time. The color of the sky can only be described as a very dreary shade of gray. If that wasn't ominous enough, after only a few moments the wind starts to blow, and the rain falls from the dark clouds above. Lightning can be seen on the other side of the field, soon followed by loud thunderous crashes which seem to echo around the entire area. But for some odd reason, I always feel safe standing beneath that massive tree, like it is protecting me from the storm.

    The feeling of something or someone watching is always present in the dream, I just can't get a grasp of what or who it is, but that's all it is, just a sense of 'something' is out there. I'm never scared during these dreams just the opposite. The sensation of longing and warmth are associated with what I have come to believe is My Tree. It is always the same. Never changing. I have sat countless days trying to figure it out.

    When it first started, I didn't think anything of it. Just another dream I thought. Like a song that gets stuck in your head and keeps repeating over and over.  So I just thought that it would eventually go away. It hasn't, just repeating every night like clockwork.  As I reflect on this, someone grabbed my arm and jerked me backward “What the Hell?" I yelled out.

     "Sorry lady, you were about to walk out into the road," a man said. Just realizing where I was, I almost panicked. Apparently while daydreaming on my way to work at the local book shop I almost got ran over. Just my luck huh? I say to myself.

    I guess I need to say something to the man that saved me today. Yes, this isn't the first time this has happened. I am quite accident prone. I turn around to thank the guy, but no one was there. I guess that he took off after I yelled at him. I can't really blame him. I would have left to if a stranger was to yell at me. I kinda feel bad for hollering at a complete stranger, but he scared me when he grabbed my arm.  If I had only seen his face then I could tell him thank you and sorry if I ever saw him again, but I didn't.  Oh well, maybe we will meet again sometime under better circumstances I hope.

        After finally making it to work and open up for the day. I start to catalog and price the new arrivals, sorting out the new books from the used and the antique ones. Taking special care with the antique rare books. As long as I could remember, I have always loved the smell of old books. That musty aged smell always makes me feel comfortable for some reason, like a cup of hot cocoa on a cold day. Or recounting old happy memories from years past.

    While I'm knee deep in books in the back of the shop the front door jingles with the sound of the old brass bells, I found at an antique shop a few weeks ago. "One minute, I will be right with you," I say.

     A cheerful voice replies "It's just me" then a small giggle.  Abby, my best friend. I've known Abby since my first year at college. If I had to describe her, it would be bubbly and over the top. Sometimes hard to handle but all in all, she is a great friend.

    As I come from the back of the shop, I see her sitting in an old chair talking to Jeremy. Another friend of ours, we met a couple of years ago at a theme club called The Norpool. We have all been thick as thieves since then. Norpool was a pretty fun place. Come to think of it, we haven't been there in a while. Maybe I will ask Abby and Jeremy if they want to go this weekend.      It feels like it’s been ages since I have gone out for something other than going antiquing and buying books. Man, I sound like an old maid. Here I am 27 years old, single and acting like a spinster.  Something has got to change. I sigh to myself. I'm still young and healthy. I have to do something about this. I need a change of pace, an adventure so to speak. I think this as I head over to talk to my friends while trying to hide a yawn.

        "Hey guys, what kinda trouble are you up to today?" I say with a big smile. They are always out doing stuff together, or rather Jeremy was always doing stuff for Abby.

    "None yet, we were hoping you would have an idea," Abby said with her trademark giggle.

    Jeremy laughed and looked at me with his head cocked to the side and said "I'm just tagging along, Are you alright?"

    "Yea, you look tired today. You ain't sick are you?" Why are both of them asking if I'm ok. I do not feel bad or anything.

     "I feel fine. Why do I look bad?" I ask. Running my hand through my hair and feeling my cheeks. Looking to check my clothes to see if I had missed any buttons or wore two different shoes again. I have two pairs of shoes that are made the same. Except that one pair is navy blue, and the other is black. I had made that stupid mistake a couple of times to many, rushing out of the house.

    "No, you just look tired, dark circles and all," Abby said. Pointing to her eyes. I Guess I am tired; all I do is work. Plus, Thinking about my reoccurring dream all of the time. It must be taking a toll on me.

     "I am a little tired." replying in a small voice. To be honest, I am worn out.

     "Well, that is just not gonna work." Abby paused looking over at Jeremy then adding in an over excited voice "We are gonna go out this weekend. You Are in desperate need of a drink and a tall drink" Then she winked. Riddles, I love her to death but, she talks in riddles all of the time.

     "Abby honey, I am way too tired to try and figure out what you mean by that,” I say with a laugh. Shaking my head in confusion.

    Jeremy then spoke up "I believe our friend here is suggesting you need a drink and a man."  Blushing from the statement he looks away, it's cute when he gets all shy.   

"EXACTLY!" Abby added. We all laugh together. Only she would think of something like that. She is always chasing men. Never really settling on one.

     After quietly listening to them talk back and forth, I tell them "Actually, I was just thinking when you guys showed up, that we needed to go back to The Norpool. It's been awhile since we went dancing. Maybe we can pick up another tag along" I say, poking my thumb at Jeremy.

     "HEY, I heard that." Jeremy blurted out looking defeated. We bust out in another round of chuckles at his expense. Soft hearted as always.

     "That's a good idea. What time do you get off Friday Terra?"  Abby asked. Terra, I always wondered why I was named that. It sounds like terracotta. I am not a flower pot. I think to myself. "Earth to Terra. You here with us?" Abby snapped me out of my thoughts

     "Yes, sorry. What was the question?". I did it again. Spaced out, lost in thought. I have been doing that a lot here lately.

     "I asked. What time do you get off on Friday?" She semi huffed out at me. Abby's pet peeve is someone not listening to her. I don't mean to do it, it just happens.

    "I get off at 5" flashing a big goofy smile at her which makes her giggle. That's usually all it took to get her back in a good mood.

    "Ok, Me and Jeremy will pick you up a 7. So be ready ok. I mean it." she says shaking her finger at me like I am a toddler or something. She really is funny when she gets flustered.    

"Alright, alright" I say with my hands held up in surrender. I know full and well that if I am not ready when she gets there, she will do a lecture on timing. I laugh to myself.

    Jeremy popped up and said, "Who said I was coming?" Crossing his arms in defense.

    Abby placed her hand on his shoulder. "Of course you're coming. What kind of friend sends his two hot lady friends into the lion's den with no protection?" Man, she's laying it on thick this time. She could get Jeremy to do anything if she batted her pretty eyes at him.

    He put his hand on his forehead and sighed. "Alright. I'll go, you know Abby, one of these days that's not gonna work" Abby almost doubled over in laughter When I said “Yea, but not today Jeremy" giving him a big smile.

     "One of these days I'm gonna let those so called lions eat you" he mumbled. I don't think Abby heard him. I just patted him on the back with a sympathetic smile. I know he has a thing for her. But she hasn't realized it. Which is kinda sad. I think they would make a cute couple.