The tragic tale of Princess Penelope’s favourite tree. Lightning struck the rocky ridge as the sky flared white, the vicious colour of burning stars. Before the great owl could swallow down the next bolt, it struck her nest. Two of her three eggs she could save. The third turned to stone in the blazing heat of jagged fire. The storm passed by dawn. With feathers of ink and starlight, the owl swept over snow-dusted trees. Downwards her flight melted, down into the wretched, sacred valley…Continue Reading “The Feathered Willow”

Claudia is a would-be apprentice on the cusp of her future, yet uncertain which path she should take.

Her older sister, Francine, is undertaking an impossible project as the youngest Master of Alchemy in two generations.

At 16, Claudia is meant to ford her destiny with a certainty she has always craved, yet never possessed.

A choice made hastily, impulsively, could prove the ruin of two sisters…

This tale explores the mystery of what happens to ghosts when they follow the call of sirens, deep beneath the earth…

The snow felt dry and soft, like sugar dust, beneath her feet as Penelope ran through the wildflowers. The gleaming crescent of the waxing moon hung high in the sky, offering scant light as Penelope danced across the open fields of Marmalade’s sequestered glade and into the thickets of the Faewood. Penelope squealed with glee as she found vines and brambles parting easily before her, revealing paths free of snow amongst the glimmering underbrush. Moonflies clung to the undersides of gold and mauve ferns, illuminating…Continue Reading “Ch 10 – Marmalade’s Love Potion – Pt 3”

“It smells so pretty in here, like apricots and roses…” Penelope murmured as Marmalade steered her into a large bedroom. Marmalade guided Penelope by the hand around the curved rail guarding the stairwell and into the circular space beyond. The room seemed to spill over with books, plants, and fragrant, blooming flowers. Penelope spent several long moments spinning in slow, unsteady circles, taking in every detail with growing awe. A wooden staircase continued upwards to the left, following the curve of the tree to further…Continue Reading “Ch 10 – Marmalade’s Love Potion – Pt 2”

Tea entailed a generous spread of seeded breads and soft cheese, fruit crackers and tangy preserves. Marmalade poured herself a measure of whiskey before taking a seat by the fire. Penelope declined the offer of one for herself, and Marmalade set the crystal decanter of amber liquid on the table.  Marmot sat in front of the fire encircled by crumbs, his tail tucked neatly about his feet. He pushed a ready-made cup of tea towards Penelope as she sat in a stuffed velvet chair. “Thank…Continue Reading “Ch 10 – Marmalade’s Love Potion – Pt 1”