The Green Witch

Chapter 6 - The Stone Family

Reed walked into the library where his father, Walter Stone, could be found sometimes, reading or studying financials and budgets. The castle and the town did not run itself, and Reed’s father was determined to keep the town thriving. Walter was a steady and serious man. He was dependable, logical, and most of all loved his family and the lands that he was responsible for, including all the people that inhabited it. Walter could always be found either doing the work in his quarters that helped run the town and the land or amid the village, overseeing it all. He and Reed’s mother, Veronica Stone, had an amazing marriage. They were betrothed at a very young age and knew that they were meant to be together. They were attached at the hip since they were tots and didn’t spend more than a day without each other.

Veronica Stone was whimsical, loved all things magical, and adored Reed and his brother Thomas. She knew that she led a charmed life, was lucky in love and family, and had all that her heart desired. However, she wasn’t spoiled in the least and was not afraid to get her hands dirty. She could always be found knee-deep in fertilizer, pulling weeds, uprooting vegetables, and playing with the children in the village. Veronica was also well-versed in healing and could be found making house calls to help those who were ill or hurt. She knew that she didn’t know as much as she should and at times felt helpless in her attempts to help others. Somehow she knew she needed someone else to come help, someone who knew more than she did.

In the Stone family, the two sons were always present in the village and always admired wherever they went. Thomas and Reed were brothers, but also best friends. Where one was, the other wasn’t far behind.

One day as Thomas was tending to the village well, a villager asked where Reed was.

“Hey there Thomas!” called out Mr. Thatcher, a local villager

“Mr. Thatcher, how are you today sir!” called out Thomas

“Where’s Reed at? We haven’t seen much of him these days,” said Mr. Thatcher

“You know I’m not quite sure” answered, Thomas

“Well, I’m sure we’ll see him around,” said Mr. Thatcher, “See you later, son.”

“See you!” called out Thomas

As Thomas was reflecting on the conversation he just had, he realized that he hadn’t seen his brother a lot in the last few weeks. It was only recently Reed was always missing, and no one knew where he was spending his days. Thomas suspected a girl was involved, but he knew that when his brother was ready, he would let Thomas know where he was all day. As Thomas chuckled to himself, he thought, “She better be pretty and have a friend.” laughed Thomas to himself.

The next few days later, Reed went to his father’s quarters to discuss Flora. He’s been putting it off, but as they’ve been spending much time together and getting closer and more in love, he needed to get it together and have this out with his father.

“Father,” said Reed.

“Yes, son” his father answered.

Hesitantly, Reed walked up to him. “The townspeople have been talking about how much the town is growing,” said Reed.

His father looked proudly at his son, “That’s because of all the hard work you’ve been putting into the town, Reed.” his father said, “It has not gone unnoticed, son.” he continued.

“Without the hands-on work you’ve been putting in, the town would not be what it is.” His father beamed at him.

“Father, I’ve been spending time with someone special to me,” said Reed.

His father, shocked, turned and looked up at him and put down his quill. “Really?” he said.

“Yes, and I want to be with her,” said Reed.

Smiling at him, Reed’s father looked up, “who is she?” he asked.

Reed, smiling back, answered, “You may not know her, she’s been secluded for a while, on the outskirts of the town.”

Reed’s father cautiously looked at his son, trying to be careful not to alarm him, “Reed” he said, “your mother and I have not always followed conventional laws of society, and all that hogwash, but are you sure this is safe? How much do you know about this girl?” his father continued.

Reed, cast his dad a deep stare, “I know enough about her to be sure that I love her.” he said.

His father, never questioning his son’s judge of character, smiled and said, “Ok then, when should we prepare to meet your young lady?” his father asked.

Reed started to talk to his dad about how he met Flora, what they’d been doing in the forest, the work that she does, and how much it would mean to him to bring her to the village.

Reed’s father looked hesitant but did not want to make a preemptive decision until he met Reed’s young lady. Anyone special enough to capture the heart of his son is special enough to have his unbiased opinion. But based on the information that Reed gave his father, she sounded like...well, a witch. Would Reed fall in love with a witch? Could he? His son was the most logical and rational man he’s ever known. His wife and himself prided themselves on providing the best education and learning opportunities available to them. Reed’s even been all over the world learning from the best scholars. Could he have fallen in love with a witch? He will need to learn more about her. He will have Reed invite her to dinner, and then have one of his men follow her home to learn more about her. That’s what he’ll do. Prepared with his plan, he felt better. He leaned back and talked more with his son that splendid afternoon. Conversations in his study with his sons were his favorite pastime.

By the end of next week, when Reed didn’t mention bringing his young lady home to meet them, Reed’s father casually mentioned if maybe they could have her over for the Great Harvest Dinner in the Great Hall. The harvest season was ending and there was always a huge celebration that followed the harvest of the crops. Everyone participated and the entire town was invited! Reed thought it was a great idea! He also knew that it would take a lot of convincing on his part to get Flora to come. He wasn’t sure he would be able to, but he was still going to try.