Malishra

Malishra

Lorraine Edwards

Austin Macauley Publishers

Malishra

About the Author

Dedication

Copyright Information ©

Acknowledgement

Chapter One

Chapter Two

Chapter Three

Chapter Four

About the Author

Lorraine Edwards was born in 1961 in a village, Wiltshire, of dual nationality of English and Maltese. As well as being a mother of seven, she started writing Malishra in 2000, she picked it up again in 2015 and it soon expanded to three books. As it stands now, mother of seven, grandmother to twelve and nana to her great granddaughter. Lorraine’s imagination and the stories related to her own childhood dreams are the ones that she used to tell her children at their bedtime. Lorraine is now trying to live a peaceful life with her husband and her brood in West Sussex.

Dedication

Mr Roy Edwards who encouraged and believed in me.

Copyright Information ©

Lorraine Edwards 2024

The right of Lorraine Edwards to be identified as author of this work has been asserted by the author in accordance with sections 77 and 78 of the Copyright, Designs and Patents Act 1988.

All rights reserved. No, part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, or otherwise, without the prior permission of the publishers.

Any person who commits any unauthorised act in relation to this publication may be liable to criminal prosecution and civil claims for damages.

This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, businesses, places, events, locales, 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.

A CIP catalogue record for this title is available from the British Library.

ISBN 9781035843268 (Paperback)

ISBN 9781035843275 (ePub e-book)

www.austinmacauley.com

First Published 2024

Austin Macauley Publishers Ltd®

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E14 5AA

Acknowledgement

Roy Edwards

Austin Macauley Publishers

Chapter One

Alisha was your typical young girl with mousy brown hair, large blue eyes, tanned skin and a small but fragile body. She had a friendly face with a smart educational mind that thrived in accountancy; there was nothing more exciting than processing numbers in her mind and on paper. She worked hard at comprehensive school, however, was soon enrolled in a private school as her aunt felt it would enhance her education further, resulting in her absence from home for months on end, but it had been agreed for the better. Generally, she kept herself to her books, but also found it easy to make friends; such friends would often try and distract her making her laugh through practical jokes. She enjoyed shopping as well as gathering friends together at their favourite coffee shop, a place that helped her forget the nightmares she was getting more often these days. She had never told anyone of these nightmares except to her aunt as she could make no sense of them herself.

During holidays, she often took friends home, where Margarette, her aunt, was aware of her torments and would distract her by organising campouts and storytelling around a fire. The stories were always of funny tales due to Alicia’s dislike of any horror. Her aunt supposed it was due to the nightmares, and the ones she knew all too well to come.

Studying was important to Alisha, often she would stay in house at school over the half-terms, during which she could read and study about other cultures in the large library. Alisha was fascinated by the notion of there being so many other cultures, her mind would wonder to think what it would have been like in those days, her friends would tease her and call her a dreamer, she didn’t care for these comments as it was what she enjoyed and it took her mind from any tormenting thoughts. She wondered if anyone else was like her or if she was just a freak of nature. In her dreams, all mixed up, a man would appear holding a child’s hand, the man’s face would change but the child seemed unafraid.

Alisha would always feel a sense of familiarity towards the child. Who was the child? She would ask herself in the midst of her dream. In many a dream, the child would be surrounded by wounded men fallen from burns and cuts. Alisha would awake with a start, each time a dry taste would linger in her mouth and the overwhelming feeling of fear for the child. She had always wished she could prevent these dreams and be normal, but what is normality? She asked herself.

Alisha experienced many a happy time at school with her friends, but all too quickly it was coming to an end. Alisha and her friends were to part ways due to having been enrolled in different colleges, there were many goodbyes followed by tears, but Alisha was excited for whatever future she might face. Summer was finally upon her and she would be back home with her family that she hadn’t seen since the easter holidays, she couldn’t wait to smell her aunt’s freshly baked bread and the all-too-familiar smell of lavender.

It was good to be back home, she thought and a gentle sigh left her breath. Now was the time to relax and wait for her results. Enjoying her time at home with her aunt. Alisha felt anxious as she waited each day for the postman, even sometimes meeting him and the end of the pathway making him chuckle at her eagerness. After waiting for what seemed an eternity to receive her results, Alisha heard the postman’s knock on the door and froze. Her dreams of becoming an apprentice within a corporate accounting company in the city were slowly creeping into reality. Finally, being able to move, Alisha skipped over to the door, swinging it open to reveal a tall man smiling down at her. She shuffled on the spot then took the envelope from him staring down at that all important document.

As soon as the postman was gone, she ran to the centre of the room then suddenly stopped, what if they weren’t good enough? She thought.

Margarette took notice of Alisha’s eyes sinking to the ground. Oh stop it, Margarette exclaimed, taking the envelope from a rather paralysed Alisha. It will be ok.

True to her aunt’s word, the results were excellent. There were no chores Alisha would not do that day; no words of complaint came from her mouth, much to her aunt’s delight. Alisha had wanted a college near to home as she had been away for so long, it was to her great surprise that the local college offered her course of preference with the one exception, requiring her to undertake another module that would fill her timetable. Now she could enjoy the rest of her holiday going swimming with her friends and long walks in nearby villages; always thinking at the back of her mind what new adventures would college bring her. Although the holiday seemed to pass quickly, an anxious feeling loomed over Alisha as she waited for her interview date to approach. This was the college for her, even though she had made a conscious decision to attend this college, she felt as though something had drawn her to that decision.

The date was upon her all too soon, Alisha was nervous, but Margarette was with her to provide support and encouragement, whispering in her ear her favourite saying of all, You will be ok. People from all over the world were present, rushing here and there, some seeming to know exactly where they were heading; others seemed lost trying desperately to get someone to guide them. It seemed to Alisha that they were all trampling on each other and it occurred to her that if they all stood still long enough, they would be more organised and less noisy. Alisha sat and watched in silence as she knew exactly what to do as she had been planning this day for so long.

On the other side of the room sat a young boy with thick blond hair, she imagined he was tall and lanky in build but it was hard to tell as he was slouched with his head hung low with whom she could only guess was his father beside him, urging him to sit up straight. Later, she would get to know him as Tom and they would become good friends. Finally, after what seemed an age, her name was called. Miss Alisha Johnson, come this way please, said a small old lady with a low dull voice. Come hurry, please this way.

Alisha scuffled forward without questioning the reason for her to rush. As she entered the cold dimly lit room, she heard the sound of her own footsteps echoing from floor to ceiling, at that moment, she cursed herself for not wearing her rubber soled shoes. The echo struck almost a vulnerable tone, drawing all attention to her. Being asked to sit with portfolio in hand, she obeyed.

Good afternoon, came a soft voice. Slowly she raised her head and saw three people sat across from her. The first was a lady that wore a stern harsh complexion, she had a slender body and was well dressed in modern attire, indicating she was younger than she appeared, with a voice that was not consistent with her face for it was soft and kind. The second was a man that had childish features yet brusque and unshaven. He was small in structure and well dressed in a suit that didn’t quite fit right, Alisha observed. Then she turned to look towards a man that was later to be known as Mr Kamish, she took a deep breath as once again she felt a sense of familiarity, and for an unknown reason she was afraid of him. He dressed in casual jeans and t-shirt, well shaven and dark eyes that could penetrate the very soul of a person, yes, he frightened her.

Throughout the course of the interview, Alisha was asked numerous questions relating to her decision to undertake the subject and what she could bring to the table. She answered with precision and honesty. After all the questions had been answered, she sat in silence and watched as the panel whispered amongst themselves, Alisha wondered how long it would be before they acknowledged her presence, the panel raised their heads informing her of her success. She was unsure of Kamish as he showed her to the door, he tilted slightly to whisper in her ear, I’ll see you, alright, you’ll be ready in time, you’ll see.

Alisha thought what an odd thing to say but looked up at him and smiled. Alisha was then directed on where to complete the necessary paperwork for enrolment. Yes! She rejoiced silently to herself, I actually did it! When telling Margerette the good news, Alisha left out the small detail of what Mr Kamish had said. Margarette took Alisha for lunch in their favourite coffee shop to celebrate and treated her to the freshest and most delicious scones they offered. Through the mouthfuls of scones and jam, Alisha blundered on about every detail of her interview experience. Margarette mused with pride on how happy her little girl had grown to be and what a thriving young woman she was becoming. By the end of the day, Alisha was exhausted, but she had almost forgotten to tell a very important individual.

Adam was Alisha’s dear friend and cousin, he was a few years younger than her but intelligent and playful. Adam’s parents had recently moved closer, enabling them to meet more often. Adam would tease her about what seemed to him an obsession of numbers, You will turn into a number someday, it’s so boring. Adam was to follow in his father’s footsteps of becoming a lawyer. People fascinated him, their circumstances intrigued him; the way they took advantage of one another their need to steal and be deceitful, along with decisions on alimony. People were complicated to Adam, he enjoyed untangling complicated situations to come to a resolve; therefore, Adam felt a career in law seemed the most suitable option. Adam was thrilled to receive Alisha’s call, informing him of her acceptance into the same college that he himself hoped to attend when she reached her third year.

Together, they rejoiced over the phone and promised each other the following weekend they would have a picnic and take a camping trip in the New Forest, placing the phone down Alisha’s thoughts went back to what Mr Kamish had whispered to her shaking her head, trying to avoid the uneasy feeling she felt inside herself. The weekend came quickly and Adam arrived practically skipping down the road. Finally, peace! Margarette exclaimed with amusement. I’m rid of you for two days, she laughed at the bewildered look on the teenagers faces, causing a universal laughter.

They busied themselves getting the camping essentials ready while Margarette prepared food for what seemed enough to feed a small army. They rose early the next morning saying their farewells to their aunt and set off to find the perfect place to pitch their tent. After walking for nearly an eternity in Alisha’s mind, they found a clearing, the trees were tall and not too close, Adam had declared that there was enough room to swing twenty cats, making them roar with laughter. The sun was shining and Alisha thought nothing bad could possibly come to her here. After the tent was raised, the pots and pans were put in place and secured, Adam then suggested they explore the area. They had been there many a time before but had been restricted by their aunt from venturing too far.

Today, they were free to go as far as they wanted and with so much daylight ahead of them; that could mean miles in Adam’s terms, to which Alisha grunted her disapproval, especially as she had already hiked to the campsite, walking was not one of Alisha’s fortes, she much preferred lounging with a good book enjoying peace under the heat of the sun as it warmed her neck. But she enjoyed Adam’s company so she would comply to his endeavours no matter what. She gathering up her backpack filled with water bottles a first aid kit and rope, she was unsure if she would need these items, but it was better to be prepared for any situation that may arise. The two agreed to head back before nightfall.

Along their walk, they encountered squirrels scuttling up the trees and picked berries to eat from the small bushes; laughing as they went. They were deep into the forest when Alisha had an uneasy feeling that upset her stomach. The further they delved into the forest, the more she would turn suddenly to scout the environment behind her. She could have sworn she heard someone following them but each time she turned she saw nothing. There it goes again; the faint sound came a definite twig breaking behind her, it must be a deer, she thought to herself. Then the sound came again, this time it was a mere few metres behind her, but again nothing she could feel the panic rising in the pit of her stomach as she looked frantically around for Adam, he was nowhere to be seen.

Searching in all directions, she called out his name, her voice almost gasping the words, she shouted louder each time but all that replied was an echo of her voice through the trees, as though someone was mimicking her words. She cried out for Adam again. This time, he replied, she swivelled around to see him leaping over the fallen branches towards her. Noting Alisha’s distress, he guided her back the way they came. Soon, they were back at the safe haven of their camp Alisha felt a weight lifted of her shoulders. Just then, on the other side of the clearing she saw something move swiftly across the trees, it looked to her like a black panther. Adam saw her expression change like never before and her face turned white, he jerked her causing her focus to slip, she turned to look at the clearing again but the creature was gone. Are you ok? Adam pressed.

I saw… he would think her crazy if she told what she had seen, after all why would a panther be in the New Forest, I’m ok, she assured him irritably. Alisha shrugged it off and jokingly demanded he makes their tea, That’s fine, as long as you don’t mind me poisoning you, he laughed, so beans on bread it was to be. They talked of school and the preparing of exams to which Adam moaned and groaned at with a light laughter in his voice; she knew all too well he was top of his class. Night slowly crept upon them and it was time to share funny stories they had heard, coffees were in hand and marshmallows roasting on the open fire, there was much laughter to be heard.

However, they were so engrossed with their own laughter, they didn’t hear the giggles coming from behind the trees. After a time, they grew tired, Adam was the first to fall asleep, nothing unusual. Alisha had thought he could fall sleep standing on his head if he put his mind to it. Alisha rested easy that night; although her thoughts of Mr Kamish’s words, the breaking twigs and the strange creature in the clearing kept surfacing, she was exhausted and it wasn’t long before she to fell asleep. The next morning, Alisha woke surprised that her sleep was unbroken by nightmares and was ready for another adventure walk that she was sure Adam would want. Alisha had awoken to the aroma of fresh coffee and fried bread. Mm, smells good, she said as she ventured out of the tent, hair ruffled and clothes creased.

Adam laughed at the sight, this annoyed her in a jovial way and demanded coffee or she would eat him for breakfast, making Adam roar with laughter even more. Breakfast over with, they tidied up then decided they would go explore a different side of the forest today, securing everything and making sure the fire was put out. They were ready to go north this time. Towards the caves it is then, Adam chirped. Alisha hadn’t been there since she had been found by the woman she called aunt Margarette all those years ago.

The walk was pleasant; it was a warm day that left the skin tingling but not too hot. Leaves crunched beneath their feet which made them stamp harder, then laughing at the sound, Adam heard a giggle come from behind and turned quickly to see who was there but saw nothing; thinking it was but a bird, he brushed it off, but the giggle sounded again, he started to rush around the trees trying to see who was there but found nothing. Did you hear that? Adam whispered.

Alisha replied with a nod. Alisha started to get worried but Adam reassured her it was just birds of some sort playing with them. Minor birds do that sometimes, he said even though he was feeling a little worried himself, no I am just being silly he thought been reading to many horror stories damn and blast Steven king books he murmured. Coming closer to the cave, they could hear voices; even though it was more like a squeaking sound, so they hid behind the trees just to spy a little.

What they saw was what looked like a gathering of what can only be described as stick insects only human size having a meeting, they froze to the spot not sure what exactly they were seeing and hearing, they rubbed their eyes frantically and Adam stepped back onto some dry leaves, making a crunching noise beneath his feet which obviously they heard and scattered rapidly.

Alisha and Adam stood very still staring at each other in disbelief not sure they had actually seen or heard anything at all, next the exclamation what the hell was that Adam shouted, it was then decided they would hurry back to camp, pack up quickly and go home, shortening their weekend away never to mention again as people would surely think they were mad, they ran most of the way feeling puffed out by the time they got to the camp, packing furiously they made their way back to the cottage with speed, when the cottage was in sight they fell to the ground to catch their breaths after all they didn’t want to worry their aunt. They would blame it on the changing weather.

On entering the cottage, Margarette was surprised to see the children red-faced come back so early and asked if they were ok. Yes, we are fine, they echoed just back early because weather’s about to change for the worst but neither gave the real explanation and shrugged the whole thing away. Margarette knew something else was bothering them but decided it was best left alone for now. It would be years later when this would be talked of in great detail but for now was best left unsaid. Weeks passed quickly meeting up with friends and helping around in the cottage as it would soon be autumn and the wood needed to be stocked up ready for the cold winter ahead, Margarette was getting older and much slower so it was good having Alisha home now, her aunt appreciated the help and the company, as it gets a little lonely when you are on your own, she thought.

College started and having assignments was a good distraction in Alisha’s mind as there was much to learn and so much research that it took up most if not all her free time, one of her subjects however had nothing to do with accountancy as she had to pick another subject to fill her timetable careful to pick a subject she would enjoy, which happened to be Mr Kamish’s class about other worlds and ancient writings. The writings had always interested her and she wasn’t really sure why, as even from as young as ten years old she had tried to read ancient languages she could only relate it to her aunt who loved the ancient writings.

It was in one of these classes that was about alternative worlds but going back in time that caused Alisha’s mind to wonder, looking out the window she remembered what she had been wearing that day Margarette had found her but while looking out of the window she could see a lady in white clothing floating and pointing at her, she was day dreaming for sure but it seemed so real; a crack on the table forced her to reality and look back into the classroom to be face to face with Mr Kamish asking her a question then turning his back on her not waiting for her to answer, she had not heard the question in any case and the class were all in debate by the time she could acknowledge what had to happen, nobody seemed to have taken much notice.

Alisha loved learning about how people lived in the ancient times, so was surprised that she had so easily been distracted. After that day she knuckled down to studies and all seemed to settled even though it seemed Mr Kamish liked to push her more than the others to learn the ancient art of languages as if it was life or death. Alisha found it strange that he would push her so hard and she often mentioned it to Margarette, her aunt would just tell her that he thought she was a worthy student and would do well just in case, later in years, she wanted a different career you can never tell when one is so young Margarette would say, children change their minds all the time these days but Alisha knew she wouldn’t.

In the next two years, Alisha was to go through life enjoying college and friends with no signs of disturbance or nightmares of any kind except for the odd daydream or vision she wasn’t sure which. Tom, who she had befriended had become a great partner in studies as well as meeting often at the coffee shop, he made her laugh and forget the past and taking an interest in her studying the ancient arts and languages which she found interesting and felt encouraged to learn more especially as she had someone to share her knowledge with. In every waking free time, she felt compelled to learn more about what had happened to the people of that culture in the underworld and where they were originally from.

Two years passed by quickly with winter snow coming heavier than normal, it was nice once again to have warm weather and sunshine. Summer holidays came around and she waited with tightened breath to hear from Adam and his exam results she prayed he had passed even though she had little doubt he would she hadn’t seen him this Christmas and it didn’t feel the same when he wasn’t there, the phone rang and she ran to answer it but an unfamiliar voice said hello.

Who was this? She asked and a reply came, Its Adam, silly. This voice was not the same as her Adam, So, who is this? She asked.

Again, an angry voice shouted back, It’s me Adam, Alisha stop playing around.

When did his voice change and why? She looked at the phone and then dropped it, not sure what to do she ran to Margarette and told her, There was a man on the phone claiming to be Adam but it sure didn’t sound like him.

Margarette laughed, All boy’s voices break at certain ages and they sound different that’s what happens in maturity.

Oh, exclaimed Alisha and went back to the phone laughing at Adam’s new voice.

It’s not funny. do you want to know I passed or not? He said rather grumpily.

Yes, of course, I do well. I passed and have my interview in two weeks with which I shall come and stay for the remainder of the summer holidays.

Good. you can join me and our friends on our camp out. Should be fun ok. He agreed as long as they stayed close to the cottage, he didn’t really want a repeat of their last adventures but didn’t voice out loud as he didn’t want to upset Alisha. It was all arranged they would see each other in two weeks, she then congratulated Adam and wished him well at his forthcoming interview then said their goodbyes saying they will see each other soon.

Alisha spent her days baking bread and helping around the cottage, hanging dry lavender around giving the cottage that all familiar warmth she had known as a child, she often wondered why her aunt insisted on this being done and decided to ask Margarette, the answer was not what she was expecting at all.

Well, she started. When you have lived as long as me, superstitions are well known in these parts and protection is a must but don’t worry yourself too much dear, all will become clear soon enough, then Margarette smiled and went back into her rose garden, leaving Alisha with her mouth wide open, Margarette shouted back that if she kept her mouth open like that she would catch flies and giggled her mouth closed with a clunk followed by an ouch.

Alisha decided she would lay down in the garden and let the sun engulf her body taking a book to read she lay there peacefully drifting into a daydream, a small child was running about laughing Alisha felt at peace but the girl’s mother was calling frantically, Alisha come dear; we have to go now. Suddenly, a dark cloud came over them and panic came from know where.

The woman kept calling frantically Alisha’s name, Alisha could hear shouting from a distance, It’s time for lunch.

She jolted up quickly, not sure for a moment where she was or what exactly happened, dear god where was she who was that little girl, she turned her head to Margarette calling her into the cottage. Are you alright dear? Margarette asked as she saw the child was pale.

Yes, I must have dozed off, silly me, she replied but Margarette knew all too well it wasn’t that. Margarette had made it her mission to learn all she could about the cave she found Alisha in and knew all too well that there were creatures lying in waiting for her to come of age, she knew this because she had spoken to them and they had told her to take special care of the child as she will be needed all will be explained in time, they told her.

Margarette never spoke to anyone of these encounters, not even to her brother but she kept her vow to the woodlands as long as they meant no harm, but there were some creatures that wanted to harm her and it’s these she needed to be protected from. All too soon, Adam arrived with great news about his interview at the college and they celebrated in the knowledge that they would soon see each other every day. The next day, Adam, Alisha and Margarette set off putting tents up in the field just outside the forest closest to the cottage, carefully placing the tents in a circle and building the stone fire in the centre for them all to sit around to tell stories, they were going to cook sausages and toast then have marshmallows for afters, all was ready and they were excited.

They all ventured back to the cottage to prepare the food and wait for their friends. Helen arrived first she had dangly dark hair and was a shy looking girl that wore glasses that looked far too big for her face then came Steven, confident and a practical joker, sturdy in build like Adam, Louise with her red hair flowing and posture that made people sit up and stare always having an opinion about everything, and finally dark, handsome, Marcus quiet and shy of mind, yet the most grown up of them all. They were a strange looking bunch but had all grown up together since they were small children. Going to the same primary school and each other’s sleepovers.

Adam went to a different school but befriended them while on holidays at his aunt’s. Alisha would have invited Tom but hadn’t mentioned him to Adam as yet and felt it would make her feel awkward. With loud chattering and much laughter, they headed for their camp out, each having a story or two to tell, only tonight Marcus wanted to tell them a ghost story but reassured Alisha it wasn’t too scary, she agreed even though it made her shudder with the very thought of such a story.

The fire lit and pj’s set on their sleeping bags, they were ready to eat, Margarette bid them good night and set off for home. With prongs in hand and