Page 36 of Beneath Hoof and Hollow
Chapter Thirteen
Fierdon
Samhain is the perfect evening to perform the spell for Horace and his new body. I take charge of collecting the ingredients. My faithful horse trusts me. He’ll not be ending up with a pumpkin head and vines for limbs.
Emeline stares up at me, a cross look on her angelic face. “I wasn’t going to let him turn into a pumpkin.”
“Well, we can’t be too careful.”
Horace whinnies, stomping twice. Emeline’s scowl deepens. “I can’t believe you two don’t trust me.”
“We trust you with our lives. Just not with the spells to manifest us ideal physical forms.” I give her a quick kiss. The gesture cools a bit of her rage. Her arched eyebrow drops.
“You turn someone into a pumpkin one time…” Emeline mutters under her breath.
We continue prepping the summoning circle. It has to be much larger to accommodate Horace. Emeline sings as she works. Even now, she underestimates the power of her voice.
After careful scrutiny and some practicing, I relent to Emeline and her spell.
Fire and light illuminate the forest. The ground shakes. Is this what it was like for Emeline to watch my spell?
We’re both holding our breath when the smoke clears.
A massive black draft horse stands in the center of the circle. No more skeleton, no more see-through ribs. A powerful Friesian tosses its mane. When I saw this breed, I knew it was the perfect fit for Horace. This way he’ll still be able to accommodate me as his rider despite my now- massive size. I don’t want to reminisce on how I achieved this transformation. He owes me, eternally, for my willingness to collect the ingredients, mainly the seed of life, for this spell.
Emeline beams . “He’s beautiful!”
Horace glances around, taking stock of his new body. He stomps all four hooves, shakes his head again, then gallops away, whinnying the entire time.
“Wait, where is he going?” Emeline rushes after him.
“Leave it. He’s headed toward the pasture.”
“The pasture?”
“Horace has been alone all these years, too.”
A laugh bubbles out of her. “He’s gone to find a girlfriend?”
I nod. “We shan’t expect him back anytime soon. Ungrateful thing. It looks like we’ll be walking to the Samhain festival.”
Emeline
Sleepy Hollow has never felt more like home. The population may have dwindled between the witch trials and Fierdon’s executions, but our town feels fuller than ever.
We stroll toward the festivities, hand in hand. There was talk amongst the townsfolk about canceling the festival. Many are in mourning. In the end, it was agreed that after all that’s been endured, we need a reason to celebrate and let loose.
Fierdon tenses as many eyes begin to shift our way. He’s still not fully comfortable around the others. Despite his past actions and good intentions, many still fear him. It will take a while for them to get used to his spooky appearance.
Holding my chin high, I purchase two meads and walk us to a nearby bench. Judgmental stares flick our way. I swallow my mead in three gulps. Fierdon downs his in one. We’re both anxious.
We sit quietly, enjoying the glow of the bonfire and watching the others enjoy themselves. A couple kissing passionately catches my eye. Fierdon is watching them too.
“Are you sure you don’t want me to try the spell again? We could get human seed. I wouldn’t wing it this time.”
Fierdon turns to me, smirking. “And lose the ability to do this?”
The vine that pushes between my thighs and massages against my clit is so unexpected I yelp and stand up. When I try to pick up my feet to walk away, they’re stuck. Lifting my skirts, I find vines wrapped around each ankle, securing me to the bench.
