The Skylark Bell

In today’s episode we read the chapter 27 – Trial by Fire – in which a betrayal has devastating consequences.

This week's podcast partner is Shittin' Bricks: https://linktr.ee/shittinbricks

Contact: [email protected]

The Skylark Bell official website - http://www.theskylarkbell.com

The Skylark Bell on Instagram: @theskylarkbell

Author/Producer: Melissa Oliveri - http://www.melissaoliveri.com

Join Melissa's Patreon for early access to podcast episodes, music downloads, and more: http://www.patreon.com/melissaoliveri

The Skylark Bell on Ko-Fi: https://ko-fi.com/theskylarkbell

All music by Cannelle: http://www.cannellemusic.com

Cannelle on Instagram: @cannelle.music

Official Merch Shops: http://www.melissaoliveri.com/store

The Skylark Bell is brought to you by: Phaeton Starling Publishing and Things with Wings Productions.

FULL TRANSCRIPT:

Things with Wings Productions presents: Chapter 27 of The Skylark Bell, Skyedive. I am your host, Melissa Oliveri.  

In last week’s episode we witnessed the creation of The Skylark Bell per instructions provided by the Ancient Oak.

In today’s episode we read the chapter 27 – Trial by Fire – in which a betrayal has devastating consequences.

Today’s podcast partner is Shittin Bricks, proud members of the Boopod Network who hail from Australia. Kat and Dom lend a hilarious perspective to true crime and the unexplained, you won’t regret giving them a listen. Just check the show notes for a link to their podcast.

Now, it’s time to settle in… grab a blanket, and a warm drink… and let’s get started.

The elixir.

I think it was part of the plan.

I don’t know what was in that elixir. I did not prepare it, and I don’t believe Cailleach did either, but it was the first step in someone’s master plan.

Let me go back a few steps. After the ceremony, the festivities truly took off. The booming thud of the drums resonating inside my rib cage as I danced and spun around the fire with the other tribe members. Erskina painted my face in the same warrior pattern Cailleach decorated me with when I first met her. We threw herbs in the fire to burn off negative energy, we sang, we feasted, saluted the bounty of nature. We laughed, and we loved, and we communed with the elements; fire, water, earth and air. 

It was a dizzying blur of sounds, shapes and colours. As I recall it now, I can’t remember specific details, who did what, who was where, it’s like the tribe and the ceremony itself were all melded into one, all moving together as one force. It was the most powerful, most beautiful thing I have ever witnessed.

It occurred to me, some time into the celebrations, that I hadn’t seen Corbin since I noticed his strange behaviour by the fire. I decided to try and find him, despite feeling slightly unsteady from the effects of the elixir. I walked around the clearing, checked inside his work tent, then his living tent. I should have noticed right away that most of his belongings were gone, I should have realized what it meant, but my head was clouded by that blasted drink.

After circling the encampment for some time, I ended up next to the Ancient Oak. “Climb up,” I heard it say. So, I did…

~~~~~~

Despite the effects of the elixir, Farfalla expertly climbs up to her preferred branch in the Ancient Oak and leans her head against its trunk. “Hello, old friend,” she whispers, conjuring a memory of Marius greeting Cormorant in the barn at Meadow Lane. She breathes in the fragrant sage-tinged tendrils of smoke wafting up from the fire below and closes her eyes.

“They’re coming.” The Ancient Oak’s words cause her to open her eyes immediately. 

“What? Who’s coming?” she whispers. Farfalla looks around in the fading light of the setting sun. From this vantage point she can see the fields surrounding the forest and make out some of the forest paths through the canopy of the trees below. Once they’ve adjusted to the light, her eyes catch glimpses of movement through the trees. She squints down, trying to understand what she is seeing. Between the branches of the Ancient Oak, she sees a man on the edge of the clearing. He is wearing heavy armor and holding a sword in his hand at the ready. Soldiers. Their encampment has been found. Farfalla feels her heart racing as she watches the soldiers circle the clearing, barely visible through the shadows of the forest. “Cormag!” she shouts down to the crowd below, “Cailleach! Soldiers! Soldiers are here!” her words are drowned out by the beating drums, stomping feet, and singing of the celebration. “I have to warn them!” whispers Farfalla.

“Stay here,” commands the tree.

Before Farfalla has a chance to debate, the soldiers descend violently on the tribe. Farfalla turns away, crying openly at the screams and shouts below. “I can’t abandon them!” she says to the tree.

“There is nothing you can do; this is their fate. Our fate,” replies the tree.

Farfalla, determined to at least try to help, begins to climb off her branch when something below catches her eye. Corbin. He is standing in the clearing, scanning the area, looking for something. Why isn’t he running? Wonders Farfalla. Suddenly he looks up and sees her. Farfalla beckons for him to come up. Perhaps if he joins her in the tree, he’ll be safe!

Corbin lifts his arm and points to her. “Up there!” he shouts. Farfalla’s brow furrows in confusion. Who is he talking to? She needn’t wait long for an answer. Within seconds two soldiers appear by his side. Farfalla feels her heart sink and her rage rise. It was Corbin. He betrayed the entire tribe. He knew everyone would be together for the ceremony and distracted by the ensuing celebration. The elixir! He must have put something in it to weaken their senses, turning the entire tribe into easy targets! Furious, Farfalla looks toward the large branch hanging over their heads. “FALL!” she shouts with all the air in her lungs. There is a mighty crack as the branch breaks free from the Ancient Oak and crashes onto Corbin and the two soldiers, instantly throwing them to the ground, where they remain, unmoving. 

A nearby soldier turns to look, then glances up at the tree. His eyes meet Farfalla’s, and a shiver runs down her spine. His gaze is filled with power, arrogance… and hate. He marches decisively to the fire and pulls out a long branch. He signals for the other soldiers to do the same, and together they circle the Ancient Oak. The first soldier counts down in his language, a language Farfalla doesn’t understand or recognize. He reaches the end of the countdown, and the soldiers push their burning branches toward the Ancient Oak. Farfalla, crushed, realizes this is what her dream was foreshadowing. Another dream, nightmare, becoming a reality. First there was water, now there is fire. 

Farfalla sobs as she hears a painful cry emanate from the tree. The flames lick at its dry leaves and eventually spread to its branches. She stays in place, frozen in fear, until she feels the bottom of her robe singe. She climbs above the line of fire and looks down. The flames are spreading quickly. She looks around desperately, unsure of what to do. There is no way for her to climb down and has climbed far too high to jump. Even if she did jump, the soldiers ransacking the encampment below would be on her in a matter of seconds. Unfortunately for her, but fortunately for the forest, there are no other trees nearby for her to jump into. 

Suddenly Farfalla sees flames stretch like long glowing fingers and grasp the bottom of her robe, determined to consume it. She quickly pulls her arms out of the sleeves and slips out of the robe, watching as it drops then gets caught on a burning branch. The beautifully embroidered birds, flowers, and deer disappear within seconds as the flames tear through the fabric. Mesmerized by the sight, Farfalla barely notices as the flames reach the branches just below her. She eventually feels the heat beneath her feet and scurries up as high as she can to get away from the rapidly spreading fire. There is no escape. There is nowhere to go. This is the end.

“The bell,” says the Ancient Oak, its strained voice barely above a whisper, “use the bell.”

Farfalla lays her hand against its trunk and fishes the bell out from the folds of her gown. “I’m sorry. I’m so sorry. I should have protected you; I should have protected all of them!” The words spill out between heaving sobs.

“This was our fate. It was written long ago. I will live on, you know that. You know the entire story. You may not remember it, but it is there, deep inside of you,” whispers the tree. “Now, use the bell, you only need to get to tomorrow. Then the work will begin. You remember my instructions?”

“Yes, I remember,” whispers Farfalla. She holds the bell in her shaking hands and closes her eyes as the Song of the Oak Tree softly surrounds her like a warm blanket. She feels the strange sensation of her mind and body separating. Then everything goes dark.

Thank you so much for listening.  Join me next week for Chapter 28 – Under the Same Sky – in which Farfalla picks up the pieces after the devastating attack on the camp.

The Skylark Bell is brought to you by Phaeton Starling Publishing and features original music by Cannelle. Leaving a rating or a review on your preferred podcast platform is incredibly helpful in helping the podcast gain visibility so others can find and enjoy the story of The Skylark Bell, it’s a quick, easy, and free way to support my work. If you’d like to support me further,  you can also subscribe to Patreon, where you’ll get early access to ad-free episodes as well as digital downloads of my music, artwork, behind the scenes videos and more! And be sure to follow me on social media for updates, I love to connect with listeners... Just check the show notes for all necessary links.

Once again, thank you for listening – I’m Melissa Oliveri, writer, host and producer of The Skylark Bell Podcast.

In today’s episode we read the chapter 26 – in which we witness the creation of the mythical Skylark Bell.

This week's podcast partner is Haunted or Hoax: https://linktr.ee/HauntedorHoax

Contact: [email protected]

The Skylark Bell official website - http://www.theskylarkbell.com

The Skylark Bell on Instagram: @theskylarkbell

Author/Producer: Melissa Oliveri - http://www.melissaoliveri.com

Join Melissa's Patreon for early access to podcast episodes, music downloads, and more: http://www.patreon.com/melissaoliveri

The Skylark Bell on Ko-Fi: https://ko-fi.com/theskylarkbell

All music by Cannelle: http://www.cannellemusic.com

Cannelle on Instagram: @cannelle.music

Official Merch Shops: http://www.melissaoliveri.com/store

The Skylark Bell is brought to you by: Phaeton Starling Publishing and Things with Wings Productions.

FULL TRANSCRIPT:

Things with Wings Productions presents: Chapter 26 of The Skylark Bell, Skyedive. I am your host, Melissa Oliveri.  

In last week’s episode Farfalla had an eerie dream that involved kaleidoscopic images of her past, present, and future.

In today’s episode we read the chapter 26 – in which we witness the creation of the mythical Skylark Bell.

Today’s podcast partner is Haunted or Hoax, a proud Boopod Network member. Hosted by Jennifer and Kristen, Haunted or Hoax takes your favorite ghost stories and separates fact from fiction. They also research various lesser-known paranormal stories from around the United States, ensuring they have original content that hasn’t been covered countless times by others. Be sure to check the show notes for a link to the Haunted or Hoax podcast.

Now, it’s time to settle in… grab a blanket, and a warm drink… and let’s get started.

This dream is worse.

I thought the water dream was bad, but seeing the Ancient Oak on fire like that nearly broke my heart. Please, please, please don’t let it come true like the water dream.

I am working very hard to push the dream… nightmare… to the back of my mind today.

I think Corbin is nearly finished with the bell and I am very much looking forward to having it back in my possession. I don’t know what happened to the bell I had in my hands when I was thrown off the cliff by the mayor of Pòcaid. I can only hope it has found a permanent home at the bottom of the ocean where no one else will find it.

Soon, my darling Elisabeth, soon I will return to you.

~~~~~~

“Dealan-dè?” Corbin’s voice comes from outside the tent.

Farfalla straightens her blankets and runs her fingers through her hair. She pushes her feet into the leather shoes that Lonan gifted her during last year’s winter solstice celebration. Lonan is the tribe’s leather expert, he fashions shoes and clothing for everyone. Today she is thankful for the shoes, there is a chill in the air. Farfalla gives her cheeks a pinch to bring some colour to them, then steps outside her tent. She finds Corbin standing a few paces away, a look of excitement on his face.

Corbin motions for her to follow him toward his work tent. Once inside, he says something to her, she catches the word sùilean (SOO-lan), the word for eyes in his language. She looks at him, trying to understand the rest of the sentence. He exaggeratedly squeezes his eyes closed and she immediately catches on, he doesn’t want her to look! Giggling, she covers her eyes with her hands. She can hear him tinkering around the tent, the sound of tools being moved. Finally, she hears a sound that briefly stops her heart. The familiar tinkling of the Skylark Bell.

“Look!” he says, in her language. She would be charmed if she weren’t already awash with emotion at finally getting her bell back. Farfalla opens her eyes and looks down at Corbin’s outstretched hand. There, an exact replica of her beloved bell, complete with the swirl of larks spiraling around it, and the words The Skye Lark Bell rings only for The Skye Lark Belle in Corbin’s native tongue, as it was instructed by the Ancient Oak. Farfalla takes the bell and closes her hands around it, holding it tightly to her chest. She can feel it pulsing with warmth, already powerful even though they have not completed all the steps yet. Tonight. Tonight, they will host a ceremony that will finally make the bell the instrument she needs to control distance and time at her will. She falls into Corbin’s arms in gratitude and takes his face in her hands. “Thank you, thank you,” she says, before turning on her heel and rushing outside to prepare for the ceremony.

“Erskina shall help you with your hair, and Gavenia shall help you dress,” says Cormag, the leader of the tribe. He was the one who pulled Farfalla out of the ocean that very first day. He has been working closely with Cailleach and Farfalla to learn English, and has been doing his best, as a revered teacher within the tribe, to teach Farfalla their language. He took charge of organizing the ceremony per the instructions that were passed on from the Ancient Oak first to Farfalla, who then shared them with Cailleach who passed them on to him. 

Farfalla steps into her tent and is immediately lavished upon with flowers and fabrics. The two girls pull a white gown over her head, then set her hair in ornate braids, placing fragrant blooms around her head like a crown. They thread a sash around her waist and tighten it, then pull a robe over her shoulders. It is beautifully embroidered with birds and flowers on the sleeves, and the outline of a red deer on the back. Farfalla gasps at the workmanship. This must have taken a lot of time to fashion! Once dressed, the girls step back and admire their work.

“Tapadh leat,” says Farfalla, “Thank you.”

The girls nod in unison then leave to get themselves ready for the ceremony. Farfalla sits alone in the small tent that has been her home for the past few years. She is ready, ready to go home to Elisabeth, to her time. Perhaps she’ll stay in the big city with Paloma, Mama and Papa. After all these years spent centuries back, she misses modern amenities more than ever. Perhaps she can put all the tragedy and betrayal behind her and have a fresh start, surely she has earned that!

The sound of beating drums signals the start of the ceremony. Farfalla takes a deep breath and steps out of her tent. The cool night air hits her face and the smell of burning sage once again wafts on the breeze. She walks toward the fire where the tribe has already begun its dance. Someone hands her a cup filled with a mysterious drink she’s never had before. Farfalla doesn’t question it and drinks it in three large gulps. Within minutes she feels her body moving to the beat. She looks around, colours are enhanced, the fire brighter and louder, faces weaving in and out of her line of sight. She moves around the fire in a circle, arms flailing, feet stomping into the dirt. The drums stop abruptly, and Farfalla sees Cormag and Cailleach approaching. They are also dressed in white robes, but on each of their heads sits an ornate headdress. Cormag’s is made of black feathers, like a raven, and a carved wooden beak juts out of the front. Cailleach’s is fashioned out of owl feathers, with two bright yellow flowers on the front for eyes. Both of them also have deer antlers jutting up and out of their headdresses. In all, it is a shocking sight, even for the other tribe members, who haven’t celebrated a ceremony of this magnitude in many years.

Farfalla stares at them, entranced. After a moment she glances across the fire at the people gathered around. Her eyes stop on Corbin, there’s a strange look on his face. He is rubbing his hands together in apprehension. Farfalla tries to make eye contact with him, but he seems to be deliberately avoiding everyone’s gaze. She makes note of the bizarre behaviour, she’ll speak to him after the ceremony. 

“Come here,” says Cailleach, drawing Farfalla’s attention back to the task at hand. Cailleach’s voice has taken on a strong, decisive tone that had been lacking recently due to her illness. Farfalla steps forward and drops to her knees before the pair. “This is your amulet. You must cherish it, protect it, and use it only for good. As we complete this ceremony, you must instill in it your purest, truest, most heartfelt wish. Are you ready to take on this responsibility? This power?” asks Cailleach. Farfalla nods solemnly. 

Cormag hands her the bell, and Farfalla closes her eyes and holds it tightly in her hand. “I want my life back,” she whispers, “I want to be with-” Marius! She thinks suddenly, his face flashing in her mind. What? No! She wants to be with Elisabeth, her sweet Elisabeth! “I want to be with-” Marius! Her mind screams at her despite her best efforts to push his name out of her thoughts. 

“Have you completed your part?” asks Cormag. Unsure whether she has done it quite right, but disoriented and dizzy from the elixir she was given when she first arrived, Farfalla nods.

Cailleach edges closer to her and leans in to whisper in her ear. “Remember, do not harden your heart, no matter what happens tonight,” she says, a slight ominous edge to her voice.

Before Farfalla can ask her to elaborate she scurries away and Cormag shifts into her place. “By the power of the fire, the sea, the wind, and the dirt beneath our feet – I declare this ceremony officially closed. Let the festivities begin!” he shouts, swinging his arms up above his head. A booming cheer lifts from the crowd as the dancing and drumming resumes. 

Farfalla is left on her knees with the Skylark Bell clutched in her hands as the celebration swirls chaotically around her. She feels her heart pound with worry, did her wish to be with Elisabeth work? Where did those thoughts of Marius come from? Though she loved him dearly, her deepest wish is to be with her daughter, why would his name, his face, enter her mind unbidden like they did?

Hidden in the trees on the outskirts of the clearing, a woman with long red hair smiles, her blue eyes laser focused on Farfalla. Her task complete, she turns and disappears into the shadows of the forest.

Thank you so much for listening.  Join me next week for Chapter 27 – Trial by Fire – in which a surprising betrayal has terrible consequences.

The Skylark Bell is brought to you by Phaeton Starling Publishing and features original music by Cannelle. Leaving a rating or a review on your preferred podcast platform is incredibly helpful in helping the podcast gain visibility so others can find and enjoy the story of The Skylark Bell, it’s a quick, easy, and free way to support my work. If you’d like to support me further,  you can also subscribe to Patreon, where you’ll get early access to ad-free episodes as well as digital downloads of my music, artwork, behind the scenes videos and more! And be sure to follow me on social media for updates, I love to connect with listeners... Just check the show notes for all necessary links.

Once again, thank you for listening – I’m Melissa Oliveri, writer, host and producer of The Skylark Bell Podcast. 

In today’s episode we read the chapter 25 – A Chaotic Swirl of a Dream – in which Farfalla has a dream with kaleidoscopic images of her past, present, and future.

This week's podcast partner is Generally Spooky: https://linktr.ee/generallyspooky

The Skylark Bell official website - http://www.theskylarkbell.com

The Skylark Bell on Instagram: @theskylarkbell

Author/Producer: Melissa Oliveri - http://www.melissaoliveri.com

Join Melissa's Patreon for early access to podcast episodes, music downloads, and more: http://www.patreon.com/melissaoliveri

The Skylark Bell on Ko-Fi: https://ko-fi.com/theskylarkbell

All music by Cannelle: http://www.cannellemusic.com

Cannelle on Instagram: @cannelle.music

Official Merch Shops: http://www.melissaoliveri.com/store

The Skylark Bell is brought to you by: Phaeton Starling Publishing and Things with Wings Productions.

FULL TRANSCRIPT:

Things with Wings Productions presents: Chapter 25 of The Skylark Bell, Skyedive. I am your host, Melissa Oliveri.  

In last week’s episode Farfalla began to embrace her new role and status within the ancient forest group. She was also introduced to the Ancient Oak, a tree reminiscent of The Oak at Meadow Lane.

In today’s episode we read the chapter 25 – A Chaotic Swirl of a Dream – in which Farfalla has a dream with kaleidoscopic images of her past, present, and future.

Today’s podcast partner is Generally Spooky, also a member of The Boopod Network! If you’re interested in learning about the often spooky and haunting history of Scotland, you won’t want to miss this one! Hosts Eilidh and Kieran sprinkle just the right amount of humour in each episode. Just check the show notes for a link to the Generally Spooky podcast. 

Now, it’s time to settle in… grab a blanket, and a warm drink… and let’s get started.

The instructions came so clearly, like a conversation with a trusted teacher. A friend. A confidant. 

The Ancient Oak wanted something, something quite simple and small, the size of an acorn, and I have been given something invaluable in return: Instructions on how to make the Skylark Bell. I will need the entire tribe to help me. I’ve noticed a change in them, ever since they realized I can communicate with the Ancient Oak. They have always revered oak trees, and cohabitated with nature, even gotten animals to do their bidding, but they have never had the capacity for this two-way communication like I have. I have no explanation for it, this ability, but I know one thing: It has put me into a position of power.

~~~~~~

The man with the long dark beard stands on the beach, his arms bent at the elbow resting on his hips. He is squinting at the image Farfalla has drawn in the sand with a stick. Farfalla has been living with the tribe for nearly three years now, but her grasp of their complex language is still very loose, so she has taken to drawing out her instructions.

“Corbin,” she says, turning to the man, “can you do this?” she stumbles through the words in his language. The man turns to her and nods, smiling with pride. He is an expert at shaping and engraving metals, he is essential to her plan. The matter settled; they amble back up the beach. On a whim, Farfalla picks a violet and hands it to him. “Thank you,” she says, “tapadh leat (TAW-pa-latt)”.  He smiles at her and holds his hand out. She grasps it shyly and lets him guide her up the steep embankment back toward the forest.

Farfalla never thought she would open her heart up again, but loneliness has gotten the better of her. She and Corbin, despite their limited communication, have become quite friendly over the years. It has taken her some time to gather full instructions from the Ancient Oak, but at last it is time to make the bell. Corbin will forge and engrave it, then there will be a ceremony with fire, tinctures, herbs, song, and dance, then the bell will be complete. Farfalla’s deepest wish is to use it to return to her beloved Elisabeth.

Farfalla lays a kiss on Corbin’s cheek as they part ways. He heads to his tent to begin his work, and Farfalla lets herself into Cailleach’s tent. Cailleach has been unwell for several weeks and Farfalla has been caring for her. “How are you feeling today?” she asks cheerfully as she prepares some herbal tea with the hot water from the kettle she grabbed out of the community fire.

“I’m tired, but there’s still life in me,” says Cailleach, her parched lips parting into a smile. Farfalla helps the old woman sit up in her cot then hands her the steaming concoction.

“Thistle.... Bog Myrtle, Heather… and something else, I can’t quite decipher,” says Cailleach as she inhales the steam swirling out of her cup.

“Oak bark,” says Farfalla, smiling. “Don’t worry, I asked for permission before taking some,” she adds with a wink. “Corbin is going to start making the bell today,” she says, changing the topic. Cailleach nods, a faraway look in her eye. “What is it Cailleach? You seem concerned…” she notes.

Cailleach shakes her head, her silver crown of curls brushing back and forth over her shoulders. “Nothing to trouble you with at this time,” she says.

“You seem to know so much more about me, about everything, than you let on. Is there a reason you won’t tell me?” Farfalla presses on.

“I believe your future is fluid. I don’t think you are constrained to living it as you have before. That is why I tell you nothing of it, so you can make your own choices, forge your own path. I am hopeful that this time…” Cailleach lets the thought trail off. Farfalla doesn’t respond, but let’s Cailleach’s last word resonate around the tent. This time… 

Farfalla helps Cailleach lay back down and stands guard until the old woman is asleep. She then grabs the kettle before she slips out of the tent. Farfalla fills the kettle with water then hangs it back on the rod that stretches across the fire. It is dusk, and there is a cool edge to the breeze to indicate the end of summer. It seems like only yesterday they were celebrating the arrival of spring. Farfalla walks to the edge of the clearing and sees the red deer standing by, waiting for her. They’ve gotten into the habit of walking through the woods and watching the moonrise by the rock near what would eventually be the Carnifex property.

“Hello Ru!” She whispers, running her hand over the soft red fur for which she gave the animal its name. “Are you ready for our walk?” The deer takes a step forward, and they head off into the forest. The walk the familiar paths side by side with Farfalla chattering about her conversation with the Ancient Oak and her preparations for the making of the Skylark Bell. Finally, the come to the edge of the forest, and stand next to the ancient stone that will one day serve as a marker between the fields of Carnifex House and the neighbouring farm. Farfalla leans on the rock and watches the moon rise. It is almost full, only the slimmest shred of it remaining unlit. They stand for the better part of an hour, silent, basking in the silvery moonlight, before turning and walking back through the forest to the encampment. The deer stops short of the clearing and Farfalla says her goodbyes before continuing on by herself. She lets herself into her tent and collapses onto her straw bed, exhausted.

Farfalla has only been asleep for an hour or so when the dream begins. At first, it is the familiar dream where she is under water, sinking into the sand with the sun’s rays filtering through the water above her head before everything goes dark. This time though, she sees Marius’ face as he reaches down to pull her from the water. She collapses into his arms and he pulls her up the beach into the tall, dry grass beyond. Suddenly, they are at Meadow Lane. Farfalla turns to Marius and watches in horror as he slowly transforms into a Magpie, stretching his black and white wings before lifting off into the sky. She watches until he disappears, then turns when she feels a presence by her side. There is James, a look of pain and disappointment on his face. He leans toward her lets out a loud, accusatory Caw! Before vanishing into thin air. Farfalla recoils in fear and squeezes her eyes closed. When she reopens them, she is inside the house at Meadow Lane, staring into the mirror of the vanity in her bedroom. She sees a girl there who looks very much like her, but is dressed oddly, and going on about The Silence. The girl fades away and Farfalla sees the forest reflected in the mirror. She turns on her stool and sees the winding path through the woods ahead of her and Ru standing proudly, head held high with his crown of antlers reaching for the canopy of leaves above. She walks to the deer, and they begin to amble down the path. As they are walking Farfalla gets the feeling the deer has gotten larger, she turns to look and gasps when she sees Cormorant by her side, his dark coat blending with the shadows of the forest while his white mane and tail look like they are glowing from the inside.  The massive horse stops short of the clearing and Farfalla looks on in horror; the Ancient Oak is engulfed in flames from top to bottom. The loud crackling noise reminds her of the sound as the trees from her beloved apple orchard were burned in the fireplace during the terrible winter of 1925. Farfalla can feel the acrid smoke filling her lungs and wakes up coughing and heaving for air. 

She sits up in bed, and it takes her a moment to remember where she is. She shakes off the sensation of being disoriented and fills her cup with water from the jug by her bed. She runs through the various chaotically swirling elements of the dream in her mind. Water, fire, deer, horse, magpie, Marius, James, the Ancient Oak. She feels like there is a warning in it all, but she can’t quite decipher it. Exhausted, Farfalla lays back down. Tomorrow is an important day, tomorrow the bell will be finished. Farfalla closes her eyes and falls into a long, dreamless sleep. 

Thank you so much for listening.  Join me next week for Chapter 26 – The Making of a Bell – in which Farfalla uses the instuctions from the Ancient Oak to create the Skylark Bell.

The Skylark Bell is brought to you by Phaeton Starling Publishing and features original music by Cannelle. If you are enjoying this story, please consider leaving a rating or a review, they are both greatly appreciated. You can also support my work by subscribing to Patreon or Ko-Fi, where you get early access to episodes as well as MP3 downloads of the music, artwork, behind the scenes videos and more! You can also find The Skylark Bell exclusive merch on my website, www.theskylarkbell.com. Just check the show notes for all necessary links.

Once again, thank you for listening – I’m Melissa Oliveri, writer, host and producer of The Skylark Bell Podcast. 

In today’s episode we read the chapter 24 – Time, in which Farfalla learns to navigate her new surroundings.

This week's podcast partner is Something (Rather Than Nothing): https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/something-rather-than-nothing/id1473313040

Contact: [email protected]

The Skylark Bell official website - http://www.theskylarkbell.com

The Skylark Bell on Instagram: @theskylarkbell

Author/Producer: Melissa Oliveri - http://www.melissaoliveri.com

Join Melissa's Patreon for early access to podcast episodes, music downloads, and more: http://www.patreon.com/melissaoliveri

The Skylark Bell on Ko-Fi: https://ko-fi.com/theskylarkbell

Melissa on Mastodon: https://mastodon.social/@melissaoliveri

All music by Cannelle: http://www.cannellemusic.com

Cannelle on Instagram: @cannelle.music

Official Merch Shops: http://www.melissaoliveri.com/store

The Skylark Bell is brought to you by: Phaeton Starling Publishing and Things with Wings Productions.

FULL TRANSCRIPT:

Things with Wings Productions presents: Chapter 24 of The Skylark Bell, Skyedive. I am your host, Melissa Oliveri.  

In last week’s episode Farfalla found herself rescued by an ancient, mystical group of people and brought to their secret forest hideaway.

In today’s episode we read the chapter 24 – Time, in which Farfalla learns to navigate her new surroundings.

Today’s podcast partner is Something, Rather Than Nothing. Host Ken Volante does a phenomenal job of bringing art philosophy to the forefront and finding unique perspectives through his roster of guests. You can find an interview with me on the Something Rather Than Nothing podcast on my website, just check the link in the shownotes. 

Now, it’s time to settle in… grab a blanket, and a warm drink… and let’s get started.

I don’t know what year it is. 

My best guess is that I have been here for over a year, as I recall two solstice celebrations, but I have no idea what today’s date is.

When I asked Cailleach she let out a small laugh and told me that dates don’t matter. Though they do measure daylight and seasons, they don’t track the minutes, hours, days, and years like we did in my time. They cohabitate with nature in a way I’ve never seen before, it is strikingly beautiful.

Cailleach explained to me that her people inhabited the mainland for many years, but eventually strangers came, and her people were chased away, hunted down, converted, or... worse. I felt this betrayal deep in my bones as I remembered the people of Pocket, and more recently, Mayor Sandpiper completely disregarding my existence. 

Cailleach’s tribe, the last of its kind, escaped to the island. They settled deep in the woods, and spent many years learning from the land. There was something special in the forest here, a wisdom that their people had been seeking for generations. They had been slowly unpeeling the layers of this knowledge through education, exploration, and sometimes simple luck, but here in the forest Cailleach’s tribe felt they had arrived at the source of this wisdom. The ground itself tingled under their feet as they made their way between the trees. They happened upon the clearing one day and have been settled here ever since. Cailleach’s people learned how to manipulate their surroundings, first by willing food to grow in barren soil, or with very little sunlight.  Then they discovered they could control some of the animals around them and get them to help their tribe survive by warning them of approaching strangers or showing them where to find food. When she told me this part my heart started pounding as I recalled the sea bird by the cliff with Nurse Betsey. She told me they had even devised a way of making their encampment invisible to outsiders, who would just walk by as if they weren’t there.

I was eventually let in on their most closely guarded secrets. Cailleach didn’t tell me right away. I spent months learning her healing techniques, medicines, salves, and tinctures made from the bounty of the forest. Then she taught me to communicate with the animals. We started out with small forest animals, first mice then martens. Then we moved onto birds, she saved the owl for last. Finally, we moved onto the red deer, which was evasive most of the time, but would come to her if she called a certain way. By the time we were finished, my abilities in controlling the animals surpassed hers. I would take walks through the forest with the red deer by my side, and we would share our secrets.

Finally, one morning, Cailleach woke me just before sunrise, and walked me to the edge of the forest. She told me her people had unlocked the most important, and dangerous, ability of all. Very few tribe members were taught how to practice it, but she said I had a special calling, and that she would teach it to me. How to control distance… and time.

~~~~~~

 “For many years our people inhabited the mainland” says Cailleach, her gaze scanning the horizon, “but many of us were hunted down as we escaped and tried to settle elsewhere. Our little tribe is the last of our kind, hidden deep in the woods. We spent many years living in fear, until one day someone came to us who could ensure our teachings would continue forever. A person who would exist throughout time, the time before us, and the time after us. A person who could insert our teachings into every living, breathing thing in the world, from a blackbird to an acorn,” she says plainly, as if her words make perfect sense. Farfalla stands beside her in confused silence. “When you were pulled out of the water, your heart was filled with anger and a thirst for vengeance,” she says, “I trust that you have now healed, so I may teach you this final lesson. If my teachings were to fall into the wrong hands it could have… disastrous consequences.” With that, the woman turns on her heel and heads back into the forest. Farfalla lingers for a moment, her fingers scanning the horizon for any sign of life outside the forest, but she sees nothing. She turns and hastens her step to catch up with Cailleach.

They wander through the thick mass of trees on a winding path that Farfalla has never seen before. She is surprised by this because she has spent countless hours exploring the forest and prides herself in her keen sense of direction, but the more they walk, the more she feels like they’ve been travelling in a winding circle. At last, they come around a bend and Farfalla sees a tall arch made of branches and vines stretching across the path. The arch is high enough for a tall person on a large horse to comfortably pass under. “Where are we? What is this place?” she asks.

Cailleach smiles at her, “We’re at the encampment,” she says, an air of mystery hovering around her. Farfalla furrows her brow and looks around. There is no clearing to be seen, no tents, no fire, no women dancing or men in long white robes, only the two of them and this arch. “This is our encampment in a different form, a different time, long after I, and the rest of our tribe, have returned to the earth to feed the trees. This is a gateway, and only those who are chosen can see it, and pass through.”

Farfalla is thoroughly confused at this point. What is this old woman on about? An invisible gateway made of sticks that allows time travel?! For the first time since her arrival here she begins to doubt everything. Farfalla begins to think perhaps she, herself, has lost her mind. “I don’t understand…” she begins.

“You will,” Cailleach cuts her off, “come.” The old woman grabs her hand and takes her under the arch. The wind picks up, making the branches of the surrounding trees bend and stretch, their leaves creating a sound like the ocean. Farfalla closes her eyes as the wind creates a cloud of dust with dirt from the path. On the wind he can faintly hear a melody, it only takes her a few notes to recognize the song of the Oak Tree. Gradually, the song gets louder. It sounds surreal, mystical almost, not quite human. Farfalla feels a wave of dizziness wash over her, like her mind and body are separating. She feels a sense of peace wash over her as everything goes dark, just like when she was under water, and she lets herself float away on the sound waves, mesmerized. 

The wind slowly fades away, taking the song with it. Farfalla remains perfectly still, eyes closed, while she regains her senses. Out of nowhere she hears a flurry of sound and activity; people speaking, beating drums, feet stomping on the ground. She can feel the heat of a fire nearby, its acrid smoke filling her lungs with every breath mixed with the now-familiar smell of burning sage. Farfalla opens her eyes, and her jaw drops in shock. They are standing in the middle of the encampment under the ancient oak tree. “How… what… how did we get here?” she asks, incredulous.

“We were always here, the place never changed. We did not travel any distance,” Cailleach turns to look Farfalla squarely in the face, giving Farfalla a moment to draw her own conclusion.

“We didn’t travel any distance, but we did travel through time,” says Farfalla. Cailleach nods, her gaze never leaving Farfalla’s face. “I’ve done this before, twice now,” says Farfalla, “but I didn’t really have control over it, and I thought… the bell, I thought I needed the bell. Then the song, the song of the Oak Tree,” she stammers, working through the pieces of the puzzle and trying to fit them together.

“Oh, my dear, you will not find all the answers today. But suffice it to say that the song of the Oak Tree as you call it, originated right here, in a much earlier time. We all heard it that day when our tribe found this clearing,” she says, slowly stretching her arm out to point at the towering, ancient oak in the center of the clearing. “As for the bell, I believe that was a collaborative effort between the two of you,” she says, still pointing at the tree. Farfalla stares at the Ancient Oak, confused, then looks back to Cailleach, who nods in the direction of the tree.

Farfalla walks a few steps closer to the tree’s trunk. She lays her palm flat against it and feels the deep grooves of its bark, much deeper than the Oak Tree at Meadow Lane. She can feel throbbing beneath her hand, like the tree has a pulse. She grasps the lowest branch and pulls herself up, then looks down at Cailleach, who is standing below, a small crowd of tribe members gathering around her. Farfalla looks back up through the infinite branches of the ancient oak. She pulls herself up the next branch, and the next. Finally, she chooses the perfect place to sit, closes her eyes and leans her head against the tree’s trunk. She hears a faint heartbeat and the song of the oak tree emanating from it, ever so softly, like a lullaby. She stays perfectly still for a long moment, basking in the familiarity of the sounds. Eventually, she opens her eyes to look around. From this vantage point she can see above the canopy of the forest, and the view stretches to the ocean on almost every side. As if looking through translucent layers of time, she can see Carnifex House in a field nearby, wavering as if looking through a wall of steam on a hot day. Her heart aches for the way her time there ended. How she had loved being the Skye Lark Belle, Ms. Skye, as Felix and Frannie had lovingly named her. She blinks and the house is gone, replaced by vast, empty fields. 

“I need something from you,” the voice comes to her, unbidden, like a whisper directly into the inside of her ear. Farfalla startles and nearly loses her balance on the tree branch. She lays a hand against the tree trunk and hears the words again, “I need something from you”. 

From the ground below, Cailleach watches as Farfalla begins her first conversation with the Ancient Oak. A first of many. Cailleach turns and walks back to her tent. It is out of her hands now.

Thank you so much for listening.  Join me next week for Chapter 25 – A Chaotic Swirl of a Dream, in which Farfalla dreams a kaleidoscope of images from her paste, present, and future.

The Skylark Bell is brought to you by Phaeton Starling Publishing and features original music by Cannelle. Leaving a rating or a review on your preferred podcast platform is incredibly helpful in helping the podcast gain visibility so others can find and enjoy the story of The Skylark Bell, it’s a quick, easy, and free way to support my work. If you’d like to support me further,  you can also subscribe to Patreon, where you’ll get early access to ad-free episodes as well as digital downloads of my music, artwork, behind the scenes videos and more! And be sure to follow me on social media for updates, I love to connect with listeners... Just check the show notes for all necessary links.

Once again, thank you for listening – I’m Melissa Oliveri, writer, host and producer of The Skylark Bell Podcast. 

In today’s episode we read the chapter 23 – Déjà vu – in which Farfalla finds herself in a horrifyingly familiar situation.

This week's podcast partner is The Nightcap Nebula:https://podcasts.apple.com/podcast/id1672430903?ign-itscg=30200&ign-itsct=lt_p

Contact: [email protected]

The Skylark Bell official website - http://www.theskylarkbell.com

The Skylark Bell on Instagram: @theskylarkbell

Author/Producer: Melissa Oliveri - http://www.melissaoliveri.com

Join Melissa's Patreon for early access to podcast episodes, music downloads, and more: http://www.patreon.com/melissaoliveri

The Skylark Bell on Ko-Fi: https://ko-fi.com/theskylarkbell

All music by Cannelle: http://www.cannellemusic.com

Cannelle on Instagram: @cannelle.music

Official Merch Shops: http://www.melissaoliveri.com/store

The Skylark Bell is brought to you by: Phaeton Starling Publishing and Things with Wings Productions.

FULL TRANSCRIPT:

Things with Wings Productions presents: Chapter 23 of The Skylark Bell, Skyedive. I am your host, Melissa Oliveri.  

In last week’s episode Farfalla was found guilty of bringing harm to Nurse Betsey and pushed off the edge of a cliff in punishment.

In today’s episode we read the chapter 23 – Déjà vu – in which Farfalla finds herself in a horrifyingly familiar situation.

Today’s podcast partner is The Nightcap – If you’re a fan of the eerie and inexplicable, be sure to check out fellow Boopod Network member The Nightcap! The name may sound familiar as we’ve worked on a collaboration in the past which yielded my story Mrs B’s haunted Trinket Shoppe and their fantastic episode about haunted objects. Check the snow notes for a link to their podcast.

Now, it’s time to settle in… grab a blanket, and a warm drink… and let’s get started.

Perhaps it was all a dream. The part with the villagers and the Skye Lark Belle. Perhaps it was only moments ago that I fell off the boat taking James and me to the island. Perhaps I am dreaming. Perhaps I am dying.

The water is cold. So cold I can’t think. I can’t function.

I think my hands are still tied behind my back. 

So, it wasn’t a dream. 

My hands. I am holding something. The bell. Frannie secretly handed me the bell. The bell and the song, they can get me out of here. It’s like déjà vu. I can see rays of sunlight filtering through the water. I can feel myself sinking into the sand. Again.

The Oak Tree. I must think of the oak tree, and the song. I must sing. I must sing in my mind and hold onto the bell. 

I will think of Elisabeth, my darling Elisabeth. Perhaps this time I will return to a time and place where we can be together.

I can feel the sand under my back now. I think this is the part where everything goes black. I don’t like this part… It’s so lonely. I’m tired of being lonely.

~~~~~~

Farfalla feels hands reach down and grasp her by the shoulders, pulling her out of the darkness. She feels water rushing around her as she moves upwards. Finally, she breaks through the surface and heaves a deep, raspy breath. The familiar, searing pain shoots through her lungs. She keeps her eyes squeezed shut, afraid of what she will find when she opens them. She takes a moment to catch her breath and calm her nerves, falling to her knees and letting them sink into the sand. I am on a beach, she thinks. She feels someone unbind her hands, and she slowly brings her arms forward, her shoulders screaming in pain. She finds the courage to open her eyes and looks down at her hands, her fingers outstretched. She can see a pattern of spiraling skylarks imprinted into her skin. The bell! She had been gripping it so tightly in her hand it left a mark. But where is the bell now? Panicked, Farfalla scans the ground around her and runs her outstretched hands through the sand, but the bell is nowhere to be found. 

Finally, Farfalla looks up at the person who pulled her out of the ocean, but she can only see a tall silhouette against the blinding light of the sun. Suddenly the scenery around her begins to spin, and she feels her body falling into the sand as everything goes dark, again.

Farfalla can hear soft voices around her, speaking a language she cannot understand. She takes a moment to get her bearings. She is laying on a straw bed, she can feel the hollow stalks of straw poking through the thin fabric covering it. She cautiously opens her eyes and looks up. She appears to be in a makeshift tent type structure framed with branches. The voices hush, and Farfalla turns her head in the direction they had been coming from. She sees a tall man dressed in a long white gown, not unlike her own gown, though his isn’t covered in blood and dirt. Next to him stands a tall woman her long, blonde hair formed into a thick braid that rests on her left shoulder. The man approaches her bedside and kneels, so they are almost at eye level. He speaks words that make no sense, guttural sounds, gibberish to her. He then looks at her expectantly. He has asked her a question. Farfalla attempts to sit up, but her head immediately begins to throb. He places his large hand gently on her chest and pushes her back down, shaking his head. She closes her eyes, exhausted, and gives in to the darkness once again.

Farfalla has no idea how long it has been since she last opened her eyes. Hours? Days? This time she sits up successfully and takes note of her surroundings. She can smell smoke in the air, there must be a fire nearby. There is no one in the tent with her, so she takes her time scanning the small, mostly empty room. Across from her bed she sees a small table on which sits a collection of small bowls, each with different herbs or oils in them. Next to the flap that serves as a door she sees a pair of sandals sitting on the dirt floor. She looks down at the floor near her bed and sees a pitcher and cup filled with water. She takes the cup and empties it in one gulp. She hadn’t realized how parched she was. She grabs the pitcher and refills the cup, emptying it of its contents in a millisecond. She is refilling the cup a third time when the man walks into her tent. He smiles at her, and gestures for her to continue. Farfalla fills the cup and takes a few more gulps before putting it down. She stands up, taking a moment to ensure her legs can carry her, then takes a few tentative steps around the room. Confident that she is steady on her feet, she turns to face the man. He says a few words that she doesn’t understand, and gestures for her to follow him out of the tent. 

The scene before her takes Farfalla’s breath away. She is both amazed and disheartened. Clearly, she has travelled even farther back in time, away from Elisabeth. She is in a clearing in the woods, the thick canopy of tree leaves above heavily filtering the sun. There are several tents erected around the perimeter of the clearing, and in the middle an ancient, towering oak tree stands guard. Nearby, several pots hang from branches that reach across from one side of a roaring fire to the other. She can smell sage burning, and hear women chanting, their words unintelligible. She follows the man as he walks closer to the fire, and as they round the corner of her tent she sees the women dancing, their long hair in intricate braids with flowers and feathers woven into them. Farfalla stops in her tracks, hypnotized by their movement, their sound, and the fragrance of the burning sage. The man stops next to her, amused at her amazement. After a short while he taps her on the shoulder, and they continue their excursion.

He takes her to a much larger tent at the opposite end of the encampment. There, they find an old woman sitting on the ground at the back of the tent, her silver hair untamed and falling down her shoulders in ringlets. She looks up at Farfalla and smiles, gesturing for Farfalla to sit across from her. She says a few words to the man, and he exits the tent.  Farfalla takes a seat across from the woman, and they face one another in silence for a while. Just as Farfalla is about to get up, unable to take it anymore, the woman holds a hand up to her chest and says “Cailleach, Cailleach Oidhche”.

Farfalla struggles to repeat the words. “CAlia HAYshuh” she says, awkwardly. The woman nods sympathetically. Farfalla lays her hand on her own chest and says “Farfalla” then puts her hands together and flutters her fingers like a butterfly. 

The woman smiles at her. “Dealan-dè,” she says. Something about the word rings a bell, and Farfalla tilts her head to the side trying to recall where she’s heard it before. It takes her a moment, then realization sets in. It was the boy on the beach. He insisted they had met, but that her name had been Dealan-dè then. The old woman, Cailleach, reaches her hand out and swipes three of her fingers down Farfalla’s cheek. Farfalla can feel something wet clinging to her skin. The woman then dips her fingers into a bowl filled with a type of blue paste, and runs her forefinger above Farfalla’s brow, then down her chin. She then proceeds to draw the same pattern on her own face. They are like two sides of a mirror, one young, one old. She dips her fingers in the blue paste one more time and draws an incomplete circle on the surface of the wooden plaque laying before her. She then draws a serpent’s head, mouth stretched open, where the line of the circle had stopped, and forms the end of the other line into a serpent’s tail which stretches into the inside of the open mouth. “Ouroboros,” she says. Farfalla stares at the image of the serpent consuming its own tail. An endless loop.

“I am the healer of my tribe,” says Cailleach suddenly in perfect English. Farfalla is shocked, she was beginning to think she would never find anyone to understand her. “I have grown old, and I am tired. It is time for me to share my knowledge with a new healer. I believe that person is you,” she says. Farfalla is too stunned to reply. “Let’s go for a walk,” says the woman, smiling. Farfalla stands up and helps the woman to her feet. She holds her arm as they exit the tent, and the woman guides her to a nearby path that winds its way into the woods.

“Where did you learn to speak English?” asks Farfalla, finally regaining control of her voice.

The old woman looks at her slyly, a mysterious smile teasing the corner of her mouth. “You taught me, my dear. A long time ago,” she says, waiting for Farfalla’s reaction. 

“I… that doesn’t make sense!” replies Farfalla, completely at a loss.

“It will, in time,” says the woman as they press on into the depths of the forest.

Thank you so much for listening.  Join me next week for Chapter 24 – Time, in which Farfalla navigates her startling new reality.

Before I finish, a tiny note on today’s episode. I like to hide little easter eggs in the story, there are many throughout all 3 books, and I plan on releasing a document detailing them once we’ve reached the end of the trilogy. But for today I’d like to share this one. The name Cailleach Oidhche means Tawny Owl, and translates more literally to "The old woman of the night" - as you have probably already noticed I like to incorporate bird references into the story, and this name seemed perfect for a wise old woman like Cailleach. 

The Skylark Bell is brought to you by Phaeton Starling Publishing and features original music by Cannelle. If you are enjoying this story, please consider leaving a rating or a review, they are both greatly appreciated. You can also support my work by subscribing to Patreon or Ko-Fi, where you get early access to episodes as well as MP3 downloads of the music, artwork, behind the scenes videos and more! You can also find The Skylark Bell exclusive merch on my website, www.theskylarkbell.com. Just check the show notes for all necessary links.

Once again, thank you for listening – I’m Melissa Oliveri, writer, host and producer of The Skylark Bell Podcast. 

In today’s episode we read the chapter 22 – Trial by Water – in which Farfalla’s actions catch up with her.

This week's podcast partner is Paranormal Exposed: https://linktr.ee/paranormalexposed

Interview with Melissa on The Brian Oake Show: https://open.spotify.com/episode/1zw9A6Q22ZqQiw9RNkq8Gc

The Skylark Bell official website - http://www.theskylarkbell.com

The Skylark Bell on Instagram: @theskylarkbell

Author/Producer: Melissa Oliveri - http://www.melissaoliveri.com

Join Melissa's Patreon for early access to podcast episodes, music downloads, and more: http://www.patreon.com/melissaoliveri

The Skylark Bell on Ko-Fi: https://ko-fi.com/theskylarkbell

All music by Cannelle: http://www.cannellemusic.com

Cannelle on Instagram: @cannelle.music

Official Merch Shops: http://www.melissaoliveri.com/store

The Skylark Bell is brought to you by: Phaeton Starling Publishing and Things with Wings Productions.

FULL TRANSCRIPT:

Things with Wings Productions presents: Chapter 22 of The Skylark Bell, Skyedive. I am your host, Melissa Oliveri.  

In last week’s episode Farfalla used her control over a Sea Bird to send Nurse Betsey over the edge of a cliff.

In today’s episode we read the chapter 22 – Trial by Water – in which Farfalla’s actions catch up with her.

Today’s podcast partner is fellow Boopod Network member Paranormal Exposed – you may recognize the name from our past collaboration about haunted objects released for Halloween of 2022. Paranormal exposed takes a look at eerie and unexplained events from a sceptic’s point of view. Be sure to check the show notes for a link to their show.

Now, it’s time to settle in… grab a blanket, and a warm drink… and let’s get started.

November 1st, 1799

I felt a rush. 

Like a gust of wind rushing through my body.

Not just because I succeeded in ridding the children of Nurse Betsey, but because I realized that I have the ability to make both people and animals to do my bidding. That feeling when the seabird flew, full force, in the direction of my pointing finger, having immediately heeded my command… It thrilled me!

After I left the cliffside I went to find the children. First, I found Felix hiding behind the horse shelter, a favourite hiding spot of his. Then we made our way back toward Carnifex House where we found Frannie sitting in the grass near the back door. She seemed somewhat out of sorts, very quiet, perhaps because I took so long to find them, or maybe she was simply tired from outdoor play all afternoon. Felix asked where Nurse Betsey was, and I told him she had been called to fulfill another task. I could have sworn I saw Frannie bristle at my words, but it was probably just my imagination.

We enjoyed a lovely dinner after which I came back to the sweet solace of the caretaker’s cottage. I have found peace here. Perhaps, if I am honest with myself, I could even find joy here.

Yesterday I did not get a chance to see the children as I was called out to perform for a family across the island whose child had fallen out of a tree and lay unconscious. I sang for them, but the child did not wake. The parents began to fret, so I sang them to sleep instead, then let myself out.

Now I am sitting at my desk looking out the back window at the vast expanse of the ocean. Somewhere on the other side, in another time, is my darling Elisabeth…

~~~~~~

The sound of fists banging on the door of the caretaker’s cottage startles Farfalla, sending a streak of ink across the page. She looks down at it, furrows her brown, rips the page out of her book and throws it into the fireplace. The banging strikes again, even more persistent than the first time. Farfalla marches across the room, ready to give a piece of her mind to the person on the other side. She swings the door open and freezes in her tracks, mouth agape. On the other side of her door is a crowd of people, led by a man she vaguely recognizes but can’t quite place. 

“May I help you?” she says, swallowing the annoyance threatening to spill into her voice.

“Take her,” he says simply, nodding his head in Farfalla’s direction. Before Farfalla has time to react two large men with bulging arms grab her and bind her wrists behind her back.

“What in the world-?!” She exclaims as the men pull her out the front door of her house. She whips her head around frantically. What is happening? In the crowd she sees Donald and Isabella Carnifex, the children peeking from behind their legs. Farfalla zeroes in on Frannie’s tear-stained face. “Frannie!” she calls, desperately, “Isabella! What is happening?!” 

“Better to gag her, ‘case she tries to sing the lot of us off the edge of a cliff!” says the man who appears to be their leader. Farfalla feels a wave of shock, fear, and nausea wash over her. They know. But… how?! Before she can say another word a dirty, foul-tasting strip of fabric is strung across her mouth and tied tightly to the back of her head, then she is pulled forcefully across the grass and thrown into a horse cart. She lands with a thud and searing pain pulses through her right shoulder.

“Not so high n’ mighty now, are ye?” says a familiar voice. Farfalla shuffles her body around so she can turn and look at the driver’s seat of the cart. Looking down at her smugly is Agnes Sutherland, her husband John sitting next to her facing forward, his back rigid.

“Take them to the clearing,” says the man who just a moment ago had been banging on her door. The cart pulls away, and Farfalla turns over so she can stare at the sky as they travel for what feels like an eternity. She notes the perfect shade of blue, and the bright white of the contrasting clouds. Such a beautiful day. Finally, the cart comes to a stop, and she is lifted out and dragged across a field of stubbly, dry grass and thrown to the ground in the middle of a circle formed by most of the people she’d encountered since her arrival in this place, this time. 

She awkwardly gets to her feet and slowly turns, taking in every face. She sees the Brackenridge family, whose daughter Elisabeth was the first one Farfalla sang for. Next to them are other families for whom she performed over the years. She sees the Carnifex family again, and near them the man who appeared to be the leader of this witch hunt. Next to him, Farfalla recognizes the small boy with the large blue eyes who had approached her on the beach a few months ago. He had said his father was the mayor. This realization sends Farfalla’s heart pounding. The mayor has spearheaded this arrest, and all these people are here for some sort of trial.

“I, Stuart Malcolm Sandpiper, Mayor of the town of Pòcaid, proclaim this trial to be open and call our first witness, Miss Frances Annabel Carnifex,” says the man, puffing out his chest like a bird. Isabella Carnifex pushes Frannie into the circle, nodding at her to keep moving when the small girl looks back at her in fear. “Now Frannie, you told your parents that you saw Ms. Skye with Nurse Betsey two days ago, standing near a cliff. Can you tell us what happened?” says Mayor Sandpiper, looking down at Frannie from his towering height. Frannie sniffles, looks at the ground, and nods her head. “Go on dear, tell everyone what you saw,” he prods.

Frannie takes a deep breath and looks at Farfalla, devastation in her eyes. “I heard Ms. Skye singing. She sings real’ pretty! I saw Nurse Betsey walking, she looked like she was asleep, but her eyes were open. Nurse Betsey got real close to the edge of the cliff and I got scared she would fall, but she turned around at the last momet,” says Frannie, her little voice shaking. There is a long pause before the mayor prompts her to continue. “Then a sea bird landed on the rock that I was hiding behind, and Ms. Skye looked at the bird, and pointed at Nurse Betsey and told the bird to fly. Then the bird flew at Nurse Betsey, and she fell off the cliff.” Frannie begins to cry, and tries to continue between heaving sobs, “Nurse Betsey was so mean to us, Felix and I, Ms. Skye was only trying to help, she would never hurt anyone!” 

“That’s quite enough!” says Donald Carnifex, marching over to his daughter, now a hapless heap on the ground, and carrying her back to the edge of the circle.

Farfalla can feel tears streaming down her cheeks as guilt takes a grip of her heart. Frannie had been there, she had seen the whole thing. Farfalla’s guilt is quickly replaced with anger. I did it to help you! she thinks. She and the children were close, especially Frannie, and this ultimate betrayal brings back the feeling of rage she felt when the people of Pocket accused her of placing a curse on Meadow Lane.

“Next, we have several witnesses who can attest to the fact that Ms. Skye’s healing powers are not what they seem,” continues Mayor Sandpiper. One after the other, several people she had been called to perform for testified that their loved ones didn’t heal, and in some cases that their loved ones had died. Of course they did! Thinks Farfalla They needed medical attention, not singing! Finally, a man she recognizes as the butler for the house where she hypnotized the woman into taking laudanum claims he heard her singing and saw the lady of the house walk into the kitchen in a daze and pour a hefty serving of laudanum in her tea, all while “the selkie”, as he called Farfalla, was singing in her ear.

“People of Pòcaid, the evidence has been laid out before you. I believe there is no doubt as to the accused’s guilt. The Sutherlands claimed to have found a Selkie, when in reality they brought us a Siren!” At this, a collective gasp escapes from the crowd. A few of the townspeople edge closer to Farfalla to get a better look. 

Suddenly, Farfalla feels a tug on the bottom of her dress. She looks down to see Frannie’s little tear-stained face looking up at her. “I’m so sorry Ms. Skye, I didn’t know…” she begins. Farfalla does her best to nod. “Here,” says Frannie, slipping something into Farfalla’s bound hands, “Felix snuck this out of Agnes Sutherland’s pocket. He’s quite good at doing that,” says Frannie. Farfalla holds the object in her hands and feels around. She feels grief and relief hit her all at once. Frannie has handed her The Skylark Bell. “I remember you told me about your bell, and how special it is. Then one day I heard Mrs. Sutherland bragging that she had taken it from you.” Tears slip out of Farfalla’s eyes. She does her best to convey her gratitude to Frannie.

“Is there anyone who wants to speak on behalf of the accused?” shouts Mayor Sandpiper. Farfalla turns her head back toward him, then looks hopelessly around at the townspeople. Surely one of them will speak up! What about Margaret Brackenridge? She had improved after Farfalla’s visit! As had dozens of others! She had helped them, and now they were forsaking her! A silence hangs over the clearing, and Farfalla can feel her heart beating faster and harder with every second. Her fear is quickly replaced by seething rage. How dare they?! How dare they use her for their own benefit and then throw her away like a ragdoll? Nurse Betsey was an evil, horrible person! Didn’t that count for something? “Alright, then the accused is found guilty. Take her to the cliffside!” shouts Mayor Sandpiper triumphantly. He lifts his son, the boy from the beach, into his arms. The boy makes eye contact with Farfalla and nods his head toward the edge of the forest where a large stone stands to delineate between two fields. Farfalla turns her head to look and gasps through the fabric in her mouth. Standing by the rock, a sad, sympathetic look on her face, is the woman Farfalla had seen years ago at boarding school. Farfalla blinks in disbelief, and when she reopens her eyes, the woman is gone. 

The two large men who had hauled her out of her house earlier this morning now grasp her arms again, and drag her across the clearing to the cart, her bare feet scraping across the dry, stubbly grass. She is once again. thrown into the back of the cart, exacerbating the pain in her shoulder. This time Agnes doesn’t bother to look down at her, and the cart takes off. Farfalla painfully shifts her body into a sitting position. She looks down at the bottom of her white dress, covered in blood from the scratches on her feet. How can this be happening? Everyone in town loved her! I am the Skye Lark Belle! She thinks, confusion, disbelieve and devastation swirling through her mind. She turns to look behind the cart and sees a parade of people following behind.

“Sink the siren!” shouts Mayor Sandpiper, his son now sitting atop his shoulders.

“Sink the siren!” chants the crowd. 

“Sink the siren!” shouts the mayor, and the crowd responds. Their chants grow louder and faster until the cart comes to an abrupt stop at the top of the cliff. 

The mayor lifts the boy off his shoulders and gently sets him on the ground, ruffling his hair. “You stay here, Ash, there’s a good boy,” he says before taking long strides across the cliff top. The two large men lift Farfalla out of the cart and hold her there, awaiting further instruction. She looks down at the boy, who takes a step closer to her. “Don’t worry,” he whispers, “you’ll be back.” Farfalla’s brow furrows, but she is pulled away before the boy can say anything more. She looks up to see the mayor gleefully gesturing toward the edge of the cliff. The villagers follow closely behind, resuming their chant of “sink the siren”.

Farfalla can feel the cold sea air pick up as they near the edge of the cliff and a shiver runs through her. It is November, and she is barefoot in a light cotton gown, not at all fit for the weather. She can hear the waves crashing below, and gets a sinking feeling as understanding comes to her. A bitter laugh escapes her throat and catches in the rank fabric in her mouth. They’re going to throw me back in the water, back to where I came from, she thinks. All those years of having the same dream, what are the odds it would come true... twice?!

Agnes Sutherland steps forward and hands something to Mayor Sandpiper. He turns and Farfalla can see the silver crown of twigs and vines in his hand. He plops it on top of her head, twisting it around so it tangles in her hair, then roughly pulls the gag form her mouth. “Any last words, Siren?” his tone is dripping with arrogance, he is thoroughly enjoying this. 

“I suggest you hold your son very close tonight,” whispers Farfalla, defiantly meeting his gaze. The mayor takes a step back, clearly shaken, and nods to the two large men, ever at the ready to do his bidding. The men grasp her shoulders and turn her around to face the crowd. Farfalla’s eyes search the crowd for a friendly face; Frannie, or even the boy from the beach. The children are nowhere to be found, but at the back of the crowd, sheltered by the shadow of an oak tree, she sees the woman with the long red hair, the one who looks just like her. The woman nods at her. It will be okay. Farfalla can’t hear her, but the thought enters her mind none the less. 

“Sink the siren!” comes a shout from the crowd. The woman’s unwavering gaze and sad, but comforting smile, never leave Farfalla. The chant from the crowd grows louder, and she hears the mayor instruct the men to do it. She clutches the bell tightly in her bound hands and closes her eyes. She feels the force of their push and then an eternity of nothing but rushing air. She can feel her hair blowing violently around her face, tangling even more into the twigs of the silver crown, and her dress billowing, dampened by the mist lifting from the crashing waves below. She opens her eyes at the last second, and sees the mayor looking over the edge of the cliff above her, a smug smile of satisfaction pasted on his pale face. 

The last word out of her mouth as her body crashes through the surface of the water is “Ash”.

Thank you so much for listening.  Join me next week for Chapter 23 – Déjà vu – in which Farfalla finds herself in a horrifying familiar situation.

The Skylark Bell is brought to you by Phaeton Starling Publishing and features original music by Cannelle. Leaving a rating or a review on your preferred podcast platform is incredibly helpful in helping the podcast gain visibility so others can find and enjoy the story of The Skylark Bell, it’s a quick, easy, and free way to support my work. If you’d like to support me further,  you can also subscribe to Patreon, where you’ll get early access to ad-free episodes as well as digital downloads of my music, artwork, behind the scenes videos and more! And be sure to follow me on social media for updates, I love to connect with listeners... Just check the show notes for all necessary links.

Once again, thank you for listening – I’m Melissa Oliveri, writer, host and producer of The Skylark Bell Podcast. 

In today’s episode we read the chapter 21 – Sea Bird – in which Farfalla uses new found skills to avenge the Carnifex children.

This week's podcast partner is Mums, Mysteries & Murder: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/mums-mysteries-murder/id1578866284

Interview with Melissa on The Brian Oake Show: https://open.spotify.com/episode/1zw9A6Q22ZqQiw9RNkq8Gc

The Skylark Bell official website - http://www.theskylarkbell.com

The Skylark Bell on Instagram: @theskylarkbell

Author/Producer: Melissa Oliveri - http://www.melissaoliveri.com

Join Melissa's Patreon for early access to podcast episodes, music downloads, and more: http://www.patreon.com/melissaoliveri

The Skylark Bell on Ko-Fi: https://ko-fi.com/theskylarkbell

All music by Cannelle: http://www.cannellemusic.com

Cannelle on Instagram: @cannelle.music

Official Merch Shops: http://www.melissaoliveri.com/store

The Skylark Bell is brought to you by: Phaeton Starling Publishing and Things with Wings Productions.

FULL TRANSCRIPT:

Things with Wings Productions presents: Chapter 21 of The Skylark Bell, Skyedive. I am your host, Melissa Oliveri.  

In last week’s episode Farfalla became aware of  Nurse Betsey’s cruelty toward the Carnifex children.

In today’s episode we read the chapter 21 – Sea Bird – in which Farfalla uses new found skills to avenge the children.

Today’s podcast partner is Mums Mysteries and Murder, proud members of the boopod network of true crime and paranormal podcasts. Hosts Marti and Effie, each hailing from Australia and Scotland respectively, add a heavy dose of wite to their stories about true crime and the unexplained each hailing from their home countries. You’re sure to find topics you haven’t heard elsewhere on Mums Mysteries and Murder. Be sure to check the shownotes for a link to their podcast.

Now, it’s time to settle in… grab a blanket, and a warm drink… and let’s get started.

October 30th, 1799

I’ve figured it out. I will sing.

I’ve spent the last few weeks trying to find a way to rid the children of Nurse Betsey. I have watched as she has antagonized them and punished them without merit. She is cunning, always reserving her true self for moments when Mr. and Mrs. Carnifex are not present to witness her cruelty. In their presence she is every bit the perfect nanny, which has made it difficult for me to put an end to her twisted game. I tried speaking to them, gently guiding the conversation toward her behaviour, but the idea that Nurse Betsey was anything but perfect was so foreign to them that they wouldn’t even entertain it. I then attempted to speak directly to Betsey, but unlike most of the people in the village, she neither fears nor respects me. She laughed and told me the children were lying, and that she would “have a word with them about all this!”. My attempt at an intervention cost each of them a spanking.

I have spent sleepless nights trying to concoct a plan to get her out of their lives, trying to spend as many of my days with them as possible. Then, last night I was called to “perform” for a family on the other side of the island. The father was in bad shape, my guess is dysentery. I sang for him Audrey Tourtereaux’s French song, but he was still moaning and crying out. His wife began asking why I wasn’t making him better, and questioning my capabilities, so I sang the song of the Oak Tree. Not for him, but for her. Once I felt like she was... hypnotized? Papa always said my voice was hypnotic, perhaps he was onto something… I told her to go make herself a cup of tea with laudanum and go sit on the couch. Sure enough, she followed my instructions to the letter. She was sound asleep on the couch when I let myself out.

I will sing.

I will sing for Betsey, and she will do my bidding.

~~~~~~

“Children, why don’t we play hide and go seek?!” shouts Farfalla excitedly.

“I hardly think that’s appropriate; we don’t want anyone to go missing, do we?” says Nurse Betsey. Or do we? Wonders Farfalla.

“Oh, Nurse Betsey, we play hide and go seek with Miss Skye all the time! it’s tremendous fun! Please say yes!” begs Frannie.

“We promise we’ll come out if you can’t find us!” adds Felix. 

Nurse Betsey, not wanting to be outdone by Farfalla, nods her head reluctantly. “But you need to stay on Carnifex land, understood?” she asks in her usual sharp tone. Both children nod solemnly.

“Wonderful!” says Farfalla, clapping her hands. “Now, the two of you go hide while Nurse Betsey and I count to 100. Ready? Set… GO!”

The children scurry across the field in different directions as Farfalla turns to face the stone wall at the back of Carnifex House. Nurse Betsey stands next to her, stoic and silent. Farfalla counts to fifty, then softly begins to hum the song of the Oak Tree. “What on earth are you doing?” asks Nurse Betsey, but Farfalla keeps her face turned toward the wall, gradually singing louder and louder. Eventually, she turns to look at Betsey, who is staring at her, wide-eyed. Farfalla, still singing, turns and starts walking across the field toward the path that leads to the beach. Betsey follows closely behind, as if in a trance. They walk all the way across the field, but instead of taking the path to the beach, Farfalla takes a sharp left, and they start walking uphill into the neighbouring field. Farfalla keeps her singing steady as the cold wind blows the tall dry grass around them. There is a chill in the air. October is almost over. The ocean will be very cold now. Farfalla can feel herself getting winded as they walk up the hill, which gets steeper and steeper with every step, but she keeps singing, and Betsey follows without question.

Finally, Farfalla reaches the top of the hill. From this vantage point she can see the ocean stretch for miles, its choppy surface interrupted by a series of rocky islands in the distance. She can see the sandy beach stretch out to her right, and she can see the rocks and crashing waves directly below the cliff on which she and Betsey now stand. Farfalla stops singing and turns to face Betsey. “I know what you did to those children,” she begins.

“Children…” echoes Betsey

“I know it was you who broke the music box,” continues Farfalla.

“Music...” whispers Betsey.

“I tried to speak to Mr. and Mrs. Carnifex. I even tried to speak to you!” she cries, tears streaming down her face. “You are a hurtful, horrible person, Betsey,” she continues, her emotions getting the better of her.

Betsey blinks, and Farfalla worries that the spell may be broken. She hums the song again to regain control. This time, a sea bird begins circling overhead, intrigued by the sound of Farfalla’s voice. Once she is certain Betsey is once again in a trance, Farfalla points to the cliff’s edge. “Walk,” she says, simply.

Betsey turns on her heel and takes a step. Farfalla wipes the tears from her face and smiles. It’s working! The wind picks up, blowing the sea bird out into the bay. It fights to get back to the cliff’s edge, and lands on a rock a few paces away from Farfalla. Betsey continues her slow, methodical march to the edge of the cliff. Farfalla licks her lips in anticipation. Finally, just as Betsey’s toes are leaning over the edge of the cliff she suddenly stops. Farfalla’s brow furrows. “No!” Farfalla’s hushed whisper is quickly carried away on the wind. Betsey slowly turns around, a look of confusion on her face. Farfalla, panicked, turns to the sea bird on the rock, and points to Betsey. “Fly!” she shouts. This time the wind is on her side, carrying her command straight to its target. The bird lifts off the rock and, without hesitation, flies in a direct line toward Betsey, hitting her in the chest and causing her to stumble backwards. Betsey’s eyes grow wide as she realizes what is happening. There is no time for her to scream before her body is hurled over the edge of the cliff. Farfalla can hear rocks tumble down the cliffside and land in the ocean. Betsey also lands, with a sickening thud. The sea bird lifts into the sky and circles back like a boomerang, landing at Farfalla’s feet.

“Hello there, friend,” she says, crouching to take a closer look. The bird tilts its head toward her, as if waiting for instructions. “You are free to go now. Thank you,” she says simply. The bird spreads its wings, almost like it is waving goodbye, lifts into the sky, and soars over the ocean. Farfalla watches until it is out of sight, then turns and walks back toward Carnifex House. The children will be wondering where she is, her plan took longer to carry out than she anticipated. She hums happily to herself as she scurries through the dry grass.

From behind the rock where the sea bird first landed, a small face with tear-stained cheeks peeks out. Confused, the child walks to the cliff’s edge and looks down. There, on the sharp rocks, waves crashing over her still body, is Nursey Betsey. She is laying at a strange angle, arms and legs dangling in different directions, the tips of her fingers dipping into the violent water below. Terrified, the child backs away, then races through the tall grass toward Carnifex House.

In the grey October sky above, an ever-growing flock of sea birds begins to circle, patiently waiting for their next instructions.

Thank you so much for listening.  Join me next week for Chapter 22 – Trial by Water – in which Farfalla’s actions catch up with her.

The Skylark Bell is brought to you by Phaeton Starling Publishing and features original music by Cannelle. Leaving a rating or a review on your preferred podcast platform is incredibly helpful in helping the podcast gain visibility so others can find and enjoy the story of The Skylark Bell, it’s a quick, easy, and free way to support my work. If you’d like to support me further,  you can also subscribe to Patreon, where you’ll get early access to ad-free episodes as well as digital downloads of my music, artwork, behind the scenes videos and more! And be sure to follow me on social media for updates, I love to connect with listeners... Just check the show notes for all necessary links.

Once again, thank you for listening – I’m Melissa Oliveri, writer, host and producer of The Skylark Bell Podcast.  

In today’s episode we read the chapter 20 – The Music Box – in which a day of celebration turns rather dark, rather quickly.

This week's podcast partner is Bluestep Audio:

INSTRAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/bluestepaudio/

EMAIL: [email protected]

Outro Music: Elliot Under Glass (instrumental) - Composed and recorded by Cannelle, Mixed and Mastered by Bluestep Audio, featuring special guests Steven Holloway on Rhythm Guitar, Drums, and Triangle, and Anthony Freeman on Lead Guitar and Bass.

The Skylark Bell official website - http://www.theskylarkbell.com

The Skylark Bell on Instagram: @theskylarkbell

Author/Producer: Melissa Oliveri - http://www.melissaoliveri.com

Join Melissa's Patreon for early access to podcast episodes, music downloads, and more: http://www.patreon.com/melissaoliveri

The Skylark Bell on Ko-Fi: https://ko-fi.com/theskylarkbell

All music by Cannelle: http://www.cannellemusic.com

Cannelle on Instagram: @cannelle.music

Official Merch Shops: http://www.melissaoliveri.com/store

The Skylark Bell is brought to you by: Phaeton Starling Publishing and Things with Wings Productions.

FULL TRANSCRIPT:

Things with Wings Productions presents: Chapter 20 of The Skylark Bell, Skyedive. I am your host, Melissa Oliveri.  

In last week’s episode Farfalla had a strange encounter with a boy on the beach while out with Frannie and Felix.

In today’s episode we read the chapter 20 – The Music Box – in which a day of celebration turns rather dark, rather quickly.

Today’s podcast partner is Bluestep Audio located in Halesowen UK. Bluestep Audio has mixed and mastered several songs for The Skylark Bell composed by myself under my stage name Cannelle. Theyu provide professional services with great attention to detail and impeccable results. If you’re looking for the highest quality audio for your podcast or music, be sure to reach out to them. Contact links are in the shownotes.

I would also like to acknowledge La Fete de la St Jean Baptiste, which takes place on June 24th and has been embraced as a holiday strong in cultural identity in my native Quebec, Canada, which has inspired many of the scenes throughout The Skylark Trilogy. 

Now, it’s time to settle in… grab a blanket, and a warm drink… and let’s get started.

October 16th, 1799

The people of Pòcaid have kept me busy with “performances” of late, calling me in for people who, I have no doubt, are simply suffering from a common cold. But I do my duty, plop that ridiculous crown on my head, and sing them the French lullaby Audrey Tourtereaux taught me all those years ago.

I have discovered something, however. Something of great value. There are times when singing the same song grows tiresome, so I instead sing the song of the Oak Tree, and those times I’ve noticed the song seems to have an effect on the people in the room. When I finish, they are all staring at me with unseeing eyes. One time I told one of the little boys in the room to spin around, and he did so, as if in a daze, almost like he was sleepwalking. It was quite curious, but I presumed he was simply a very obedient child. I was intrigued enough, however, to try it again. So, the next time I was called in for a performance, I sang the song of the Oak Tree, and this time when it ended I asked the maid to take a drinking glass from the tray on the bed and smash it to the floor. To my amazement, she followed my request without hesitation. When the lady of the house came bursting in asking what was going on, the maid blinked and looked at the shattered glass on the floor, hopelessly confused. She had no recollection of any of the events leading up to that point. I took the blame for the glass, and of course all was forgiven. 

The villagers love me, I can do no wrong.

~~~~~~

“Frannie, it’s your turn,” says Donald Carnifex, handing his daughter an object wrapped in layers cloth. Frannie’s face lights up, she just watched Felix unveil his gift from their father, a collection of horses and soldiers carved out of wood, each painted in bright colours. She carefully pulls the cloth off the object, and holds it up at eye level, unsure what to do next. “It’s a music box,” says Mr. Carnifex. “Here, let me show you how it works.” He places a small metal key in the back of the box and turns it. A playful tune emanates from the box, to everyone’s delight, especially Frannie’s. 

“Oh Papa, it’s magic!” she breathes, “May I try?”

“Of course! I’m glad you like it,” he says, handing her the key. Frannie places it in the hole and cranks it a few times. The music begins to play over the soft whirring of the small motor inside the box. 

Frannie cranks it two more times before jumping in her father’s arms. “Oh Papa, I’ve missed you so!” she says.

“Me too!” shouts Felix, both of them running to their father and throwing their arms around his neck.

Donald has been away on business for weeks. He travelled to the mainland, and eventually on to other parts of Europe, collecting gifts for the children along the way. 

“I’ve missed you too,” he says, giving them each a pat on the head. “Now Frannie, that music box is very rare and very special, promise you’ll be careful with it,” he says.

“I promise Papa,” she replies, cradling the box in her hands like a baby bird. She runs her fingers over the carved wood, feeling the flowers engraved around the edges of the top. 

“Nurse Betsey, why don’t you head upstairs to help the children wash up for dinner,” says Isabella. 

“May we bring our gifts upstairs with us?” asks Felix, not quite ready to put down his toy soldiers.

“You can bring them up to put them away. It’s no longer time to play,” says Nurse Betsey in her dry, cracking voice as she lifts herself out of her chair.

“Perhaps you’d like to enjoy dinner as a family, now that Mr. Carnifex has returned,” says Farfalla.

“Nonsense, you’re family now too,” replies Isabella with a wave of her hand.

Farfalla can feel Nurse Betsey bristle at Isabella’s words. She plods up the stairs behind the children, her body stiff as a board. Farfalla glares at her back until she disappears on the landing. She’s found Frannie in tears on more than one occasion and found Felix by the beach throwing large rocks furiously into the water just last week. Neither one of them wanted to talk about what happened, but Farfalla could tell Nurse Betsey was involved.

“Isabella told me how you have helped with the children in my absence. We are both very grateful,” says Donald.

“They are both an absolute joy, I truly love spending time with them,” replies Farfalla, turning her gaze away from the stairway and back to Donald and Isabella.

“They enjoy spending time with you as well. Felix still talks about your picnic at the beach, and Frannie has spent weeks painting the seashells she collected. She displays them on the windowsill in her bedroom,” smiles Isabella.

“We are very fortunate to have you here,” adds Donald, wrapping his arm around his wife’s shoulders. She turns her face toward him and they look at one another lovingly. Farfalla remembers she and Marius looking at one another that way, and feels a sinking feeling in her heart. 

Suddenly, a loud crash on the ceiling above their heads followed by a piercing scream shakes her out of her memories. Farfalla, Isabella and Donald rush up the stairs in unison. Isabella reaches the doorway to the children’s room first. “What in the world?!” she exclaims.

“Oh Frannie, your music box!” says Donald.

Farfalla creeps up behind them and looks over their shoulders. Frannie is crumpled on the floor, weeping. In front of her, pieces of the music box are strewn about the floor. Felix is cowering in the corner, a terrified look in his eyes.

“What happened here?!” demands Isabella.

“Well, it would appear Felix here was jealous of his sister’s very rare and special gift,” begins Nurse Betsey with a sneer, “so he held it up over his head and smashed it to the ground!”

Farfalla watches as Felix’s eyes grow wide with shock. Isabella lets out a gasp, “Felix, how could you?!” she shouts. “Nurse Betsey, please take Felix into the next room and administer a suitable consequence for his actions,” she says sternly, her eyes cold as ice.

“No, Mama, please! It wasn’t-“ he begins, desperation in his little voice.

“Come now, I think we’ve heard enough from you!” says Betsey, grabbing him roughly by the arm and dragging him out of the room before he can say anything else.

Farfalla watches Frannie intently, she is crying so hard she can’t speak. Farfalla pushes past Mr. and Mrs. Carnifex and sits on the floor next to her. She slowly begins picking up the pieces of the music box and collecting them in the skirt of her dress. “You know,” she says in the most calming tone she can muster, “Mr. Crake down in the village is quite handy, he has that shop, Crake’s Clocks. I bet he would be willing to try and fix this for you.” Frannie looks up at her with teary eyes, and Farfalla is shocked to realize Frannie isn’t crying over the music box. It isn’t sadness on her face, it’s fear. Farfalla leans in closely and whispers in her ear, “Did Nurse Betsey smash your music box?” she asks. Frannie gives her a very faint nod. Farfalla can feel the rage boiling inside her. She bites her lip and inhales deeply to regain her self-control. 

“I apologize, Miss Skye, perhaps it would be best if we sent some dinner home with you and gathered together to celebrate Donald’s return tomorrow night,” says Isabella, a hint of embarrassment in her voice.

Farfalla nods and stands up. She steps into the hallway and is about to go downstairs when she hears a cry from down the hall. She hears a loud smacking noise and another cry. Felix! Nurse Betsey must be exercising some kind of punishment for breaking the music box, even though he did nothing of the sort. Farfalla’s fists clench as she walks down the stairs, Felix’s cries of pain echoing behind her. 

This is the last time Nurse Betsey hurts these children, she thinks to herself.

Thank you so much for listening.  Join me next week for Chapter 21 – Sea Bird – in which Farfalla uses newfound skills to avenge the Carnifex children.

The Skylark Bell is brought to you by Phaeton Starling Publishing and features original music by Cannelle. If you are enjoying this story, please consider leaving a rating or a review, they are both greatly appreciated. You can also support my work by subscribing to Patreon or Ko-Fi, where you get early access to episodes as well as MP3 downloads of the music, artwork, behind the scenes videos and more! You can also find The Skylark Bell exclusive merch on my website, www.theskylarkbell.com. Just check the show notes for all necessary links.

Please keep listening for an instrumental version of my song Elliot Under Glass, which was mixed and mastered by Bluestep Audio and features additional instrumentation by Steven Holloway and Anthony Freeman.

Once again, thank you for listening – I’m Melissa Oliveri, writer, host and producer of The Skylark Bell Podcast.  

In today’s episode we read the chapter 19 – The Beach – in which Farfalla has a strange encounter with a young boy reminiscent of a scene in  Book 2 – Wingspan.

This week's podcast partner is Cozyland: http://www.cozylandpod.com

The Skylark Bell official website - http://www.theskylarkbell.com

The Skylark Bell on Instagram: @theskylarkbell

Author/Producer: Melissa Oliveri - http://www.melissaoliveri.com

Join Melissa's Patreon for early access to podcast episodes, music downloads, and more: http://www.patreon.com/melissaoliveri

The Skylark Bell on Ko-Fi: https://ko-fi.com/theskylarkbell

All music by Cannelle: http://www.cannellemusic.com

Cannelle on Instagram: @cannelle.music

Official Merch Shops: http://www.melissaoliveri.com/store

The Skylark Bell is brought to you by: Phaeton Starling Publishing and Things with Wings Productions.

FULL TRANSCRIPT:

Things with Wings Productions presents: Chapter 19 of The Skylark Bell, Skyedive. I am your host, Melissa Oliveri.  

In last week’s episode Farfalla settled into her role both as the Skye Lark Belle and as an extended member of the Carnifex household.

In today’s episode we read the chapter 19 – The Beach – in which Farfalla has a strange encounter with a young boy reminiscent of a scene in  Book 2 – Wingspan.

Today’s podcast partner is Cozyland. Hosted by my dear friend Amy and me, Cozyland takes peek at those movies that make us feel warm inside. The ones that often have predictable plots and character traits that repeat from one film to the next. From Hallmark Holiday movies to films about food, fashion, and travel, to the cozy mysteries we like to dive into both in book and TV format... cozyland has all your comfort needs covered. Check the show notes for a link to the Cozyland podcast.

  Now, it’s time to settle in… grab a blanket, and a warm drink… and let’s get started.

August 12th, 1799

I had the dream again last night. The water dream. I don’t understand, it has already played out in real life, why would it keep coming to me in my sleep? I woke up staring at the wall above my bed, wishing I still had Isadora’s dream catcher. At least this time I didn’t sleepwalk.

The dream was slightly different in that I knew it was the Skylark Bell in my hands. I clutched it, wishing to be someplace else, while humming the song from the Oak Tree. I think somehow it was a combination of the Skylark Bell and that song that brought me here, back in time. Perhaps I could somehow return home to Elisabeth if I could get my hands on the bell. Agnes Sutherland took it from me the day of the Lark Festival and squirreled it away. I’ve half a mind to march back into her house and take it back, but despite their modest means the Sutherlands are well-liked and carry some weight in this town. I must be cautious about how I retrieve the bell, so as not to make waves.

I am bringing Frannie and Felix to the beach today. Nurse Betsey has the day off to tend to her ill mother on the other side of the island, and I offered to care for the children. At first Isabella waved her hand at me dismissively. “You don’t need to do that!” she had said. But the children begged and pleaded, and I insisted, so she relented. I asked the cook to pack us a picnic, and I’ve collected blankets for us to sit on, and some small baskets to collect rocks and seashells. 

I think today is going to be a beautiful day…

~~~~~~

Farfalla and the children skip through the tall grass of the field behind Carnifex house hand in hand. The horses in the pasture to their right are galloping around, tossing their manes in the air, thoroughly enjoying the spring sunshine and cool sea breeze.

“Miss Skye, did you like to go to the beach when you were our age?” asks Felix in his customary formal tone. 

Farfalla smiles a a pang of nostalgia grabs her. “No,” she replies, “where I lived there was no beach. But there was a pond, Mirror Pond it was called, and I liked to spend time there watching the frogs and turtles.”

“I’m not very fond of frogs,” says Frannie, scrunching up her face. 

Farfalla laughs, sticks out her fingers and pretends to chase the girl, “what don’t you like about frogs? They won’t hurt you; they just want to tickle you to pieces!” she shouts, sending Frannie racing toward the beach in a fit of giggles.

They arrive at the beach and Farfalla spreads out the blankets in a sandy area. She hands each of the children an empty bucket and smiles as they race toward the water. Felix immediately starts selecting the best skipping stones, while Frannie digs through the wet sand in search of seashells. Farfalla walks to the shore and lets the waves gently wash over her feet as they sink comfortably into the sand. She closes her eyes and breathes deeply, letting the salty sea air flow through her lungs. Just a few paces away she can hear Felix and Frannie chatting about the treasures they’ve already found; “Look at this stone, Frannie, it’s perfectly round and smooth. I bet I can get it to skip 7 times!” “Felix, look at this shell, it’s the biggest one I’ve ever seen, and so shiny on the inside!” 

Farfalla smiles, if she can’t be with Elisabeth, this is the next best thing. She takes one more deep breath and opens her eyes. “Hullo,” says a small voice. She looks down and sees a young boy, his soft brown curls blowing in the wind. He is looking up at her with unusually large, bright blue eyes.

“Hi there!” she says, unable to hide the surprise in her voice.

“I know you,” he says.

Farfalla furrows her brow. She’s never met this boy in her life. “I think you’re mistaking me for someone else,” she says gently, smiling at him.

“No, it was you. At the edge of the woods. You said hello to me. You knew my name,” he speaks with such confidence Farfalla is at a loss for words. She takes a moment to gather her thoughts.

“Well, you see, it couldn’t have been me, because I don’t know your name,” she says, certain now he will admit his mistake.

“You told me that you heard my father say it, at the cliff,” he insists. 

Now Farfalla is entirely confused. What cliff? “Who is your father?” she asks, trying to sort the pieces of the puzzle.

“My father is the mayor,” he answers in a tone that makes it obvious he thinks she should already know.

“Miss Skye! Miss Skye!” she hears Frannie and Felix shout excitedly.

“That’s not your name,” says the boy. Farfalla’s heart skips a beat. 

“What do you think my name is?” she asks, afraid of what his answer will be.

“Dealan-dè,” he replies.

“Miss Skye, look what we found!” shout Frannie and Felix in unison. Farfalla turns to look at them, only a few paces away. When she turns back to the boy he is gone. She glances over her shoulder and sees him walking up the hill, away from the beach. What a strange child, she thinks.

“What did you find?” she asks as the children finally catch up to her. 

Felix holds up his bucket “Take a peek!” he says, a hint of mischief in his voice. Farfalla cautiously peeks over the rim and sees a sparkling white egg sitting on a bed of sand. 

“Hmmm…” she muses, “and you found this on the beach?” Both children nod.  “And there was no nest nearby?” Both children shake their heads no. “And you definitely did not take it from our picnic basket?” she asks, a smile teasing the corner of her mouth. At this, Felix and Frannie burst into laughter. “Come on,” says Farfalla, laughing along with them, “I think it’s time for lunch.”

They sit on the blankets and eat while watching the tide slowly roll in. By the time they finish the water is tickling the edge of the blanket. “I suppose it’s time to head home,” says Farfalla regretfully.

“Oh Miss Skye, please, can’t we keep playing outside? It’s such a beautiful day, and we’re having such fun!” begs Frannie.

“Frannie, Mama said we shouldn’t take up too much of Miss Skye’s time!” reprimands Felix in a hushed voice.

Farfalla takes them both by the hand. “Now, now, there’ll be no arguing on my watch. You are certainly not taking up too much of my time. Why don’t we bring the basket up to the house, and then we can go say hello to the horses?” The children whoop joyfully and race to the house, their arms loaded with the blankets, buckets, and picnic basket. Farfalla watches them, her heart full for the first time in a long time. It is a beautiful day.

They meet up at the gate to the paddock and the horses plod over to say hello. “I’m surprised you don’t have some kind of stable hand to care for the horses,” says Farfalla. She has seen the maid occasionally groom and saddle a horse when Donald Carnifex travels for business. The children give one another a strange look. “What is it?” asks Farfalla, noticing.

“There used to be Charlie,” begins Frannie.

“Frannie, shush! Mama said we don’t talk about Charlie!” hisses Felix.

“What happened to Charlie?” asks Farfalla, both confused and concerned.

“He went into the woods,” replies Frannie, earning herself an elbow to the ribs courtesy of Felix.

“What’s wrong with the woods?” asks Farfalla.

“We’re not allowed to go into the woods,” answers Felix, with a tone that says the conversation is closed.

“Why not?” asks Farfalla, tiring of the tedious fashion in which the bits of information are being pulled from the children.

“Because of the vanishings,” says Frannie, earning herself a glare this time.

“Vanishings?!” Farfalla exclaims. Why hasn’t she heard about this yet?

“People who go into the woods don’t come out. Papa says it’s druid magic. He says the druid lady who lives in the woods makes people disappear,”

“Well now you’ve done it, Frannie! Mama said we weren’t to worry Miss Skye with these things! Nurse Betsey will be so angr-“ Felix stops himself then.  

“Felix why would Nurse Betsey be angry with you?” asks Farfalla. Felix gives a shrug and looks down at the ground, kicking the dirt with his feet. “Does she get angry with you often?” she tries. The boy nods, and Frannie follows suit. Farfalla crouches down to their eye level and lifts their faces up with her hands. “Next time she gets angry with you, will you please let me know?” she asks. The children nod silently. “Great. Now then, how about you show me all those shells and rocks you collected at the beach?” she says, grabbing the children by the hand and walking back toward the house.

The children chatter on about their discoveries as if they’d never mentioned the vanishings or the woods, but in Farfalla’s mind she can’t help but replay the conversation. Her mind shifts to the boy on the beach. “I know you,” he had said. “I’ve seen you before, at the edge of the woods…”

Thank you so much for listening.  Join me next week for Chapter 20 – The Music Box – in which a day of celebration turns rather dark.

The Skylark Bell is brought to you by Phaeton Starling Publishing and features original music by Cannelle. Leaving a rating or a review on your preferred podcast platform is incredibly helpful in helping the podcast gain visibility so others can find and enjoy the story of The Skylark Bell, it’s a quick, easy, and free way to support my work. If you’d like to support me further, you can also subscribe to Patreon, where you’ll get early access to ad-free episodes as well as digital downloads of my music, artwork, behind the scenes videos and more! And be sure to follow me on social media for updates, I love to connect with listeners... Just check the show notes for all necessary links. 

Once again, thank you for listening – I’m Melissa Oliveri, writer, host and producer of The Skylark Bell Podcast.  

In today’s episode we read the chapter 18 – Pocaid – in which Farfalla becomes close with the Carnifex children, Frannie and Felix.

This week's podcast partner is The Activity Continues: https://bit.ly/m/TACpod

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The Skylark Bell is brought to you by: Phaeton Starling Publishing and Things with Wings Productions.

FULL TRANSCRIPT:

Things with Wings Productions presents: Chapter 18 of The Skylark Bell, Skyedive. I am your host, Melissa Oliveri.  

In last week’s episode Farfalla fell into the role assigned to her by the villagers, and gained a reputation as The Skye Lark Bell.

In today’s episode we read the chapter 18 – Pocaid – in which Farfalla becomes close with the Carnifex children, Frannie and Felix.

Today’s podcast partner is The Activity Continues, also a member of the Boopod Network of true crime and paranormal podcasts.  The Activity Continues is a recap show which discusses the Travel Channel’s The Dead Files television show. Hosts Amy and Megan add a heavy dose of humor to the often dark subject matter. Be sure to check the show notes for a link to their podcast.

Now, it’s time to settle in… grab a blanket, and a warm drink… and let’s get started.

September 5th, 1798

I have been here for over a year now. 

It was expected that I partake in the Skye Lark Festival again. The town chose to crown me the Skye Lark Belle for a second year in a row. I stood while they clapped and cheered as the crown was placed on my head, then a hush fell over the crowd as they waited for me to sing. I made them wait this time. Just for fun. I got a bit of a thrill out of it, the power to hold them captive.

The villagers have taken to calling me Skye. After several weeks I realized I never told anyone my real name. No one has ever heard the name Farfalla, it’s like Farfalla doesn’t exist here. It’s like I’m a completely different person here, in this place, in this time.

After the night I sang to Lissie, and her apparent healing, word spread around the town of Pòcaid and the surrounding area faster than a bolt of lightning. I have been called to “perform” countless times since then. Each time, the person I am being called to perform for seems to feel better after I sing for them. I don’t understand it. I am not a Selkie, or a Witch, or any other sort of mystical being. But while ever the people of Pòcaid feel I have some sort of power over them, I will continue to do their bidding. They reward me with and endless stream of gifts; flowers, clothing, jewelry, I even have my very own cottage at the back of Carnifex House. 

Ah yes, I hadn’t told you that part yet, had I!

I finally made my way to Carnifex House. It’s a lovely stone house with rolling fields behind it that gradually lead down to the beach. James and Elisabeth would have loved it. We would have been endlessly happy here…

I befriended the Carnifex family, without telling them of my connection to them, of course. Donald and Isabella Carnifex, James’ great-grandparents, are lovely people. They have two small children: Felix and Fran. Felix will eventually sire George Archibald, who is, though rather indirectly, somewhat responsible for my being here. But I don’t hold that against him. We play hide and seek nearly every day, and skip rocks into the sea. Fran, on the other hand, prefers to spend her days quietly sketching, or sewing. She has drawn pictures of me, always with the ocean in the background, and of course my silver crown of vines and twigs. I spend all my spare time with the children, they help heal my heart. 

I wonder what Elisabeth does with her days…

~~~~~~

“Skye! Skye!” Fran’s little voice barely makes it through the thick wooden door of the caretaker’s cottage. With the typical impatience of a child her age she bangs her little fists against the door in rapid succession. Finally, she hears footsteps coming on the other side and quiets down, excitedly shifting from foot to foot.

“Fran, what in the world is going on?!” asks Farfalla, opening the door so the girl can come in.

“Papa came back from the mainland today, and he brought us a surprise!” says the girl, holding up a paper-wrapped package tied with string.

“I see,” smiles Farfalla. The child’s excitement is endearing. “What is it?” she asks.

“Well, Felix thinks it’s just rocks, and that Papa is playing tricks on us, but I think it might be sweets!” she says, her cheeks turning pink with joy.

“Where is Felix?” asks Farfalla, glancing out the window.

“He went down to the beach to open his package, he says that way he can throw the rocks straight into the ocean,” Fran rolls her eyes in exasperation in a way that makes her look much older than her six years.

“What are you waiting for then, dig in!” laughs Farfalla. 

Fran doesn’t wait for her to ask twice, before anyone can utter another word the string has been slipped off and the torn paper is on the floor. “I knew it! He’s brought us back some tablet!” shouts Fran, barely able to contain herself.

Farfalla is hit with a memory she’d put to the back of her mind. The night she and James had spent in Glasgow, after their romantic dinner they went for a walk, and he slipped into a gift shop, coming out with his hands behind his back. “Pick a hand!” he had said. She chose the left. He whipped his arm around and handed her a piece of candy tucked into a small white paper cup. The candy had melted on her tongue and washed her mouth in sweet, sugary, creamy flavour. “Scottish tablet!” he had said before she could ask, proud of himself for aptly choosing his gift to her.

“Shall we have some?” comes Fran’s little voice from her seat at the table.

“Yes, yes, of course,” stumbles Farfalla, shaking her head back to the present. She fishes a knife out of the kitchen drawer and cuts two small squares from the brick. The flavour is exactly as she remembers, and she closes her eyes to savour it. A knock on the door startles them both. “Come in!” calls Farfalla. Nurse Betsey, Felix and Fran’s nanny, comes charging through the door.

“Frances Annabel Carnifex, I told you not to bother Miss Skye!” she says in her usual stern tone. “I’m so sorry about this, we’ll be on our way,” she adds, turning toward Farfalla. “Come now, Fran! I still need to find your brother, who knows where he’s run off to. I turn my back for one second… ” She doesn’t give Farfalla a chance to interject, and ushers the child from the kitchen table. Fran waves a sheepish goodbye to Farfalla as Nurse Betsey herds her out the door. Farfalla folds the paper around what is left of the tablet and tucks it into the pantry, she’ll bring it back up to the main house tonight when she goes for dinner. 

The Carnifex family is quite wealthy, having secured business connections of the mainland. They facilitate the export of various goods from island. They have a cook, a maid, and of course Nurse Betsey. When they offered for Farfalla to live in the caretaker’s cottage they insisted she also dine with them every evening. Farfalla is very cognizant of her good fortune. Her status as The Skye Lark Belle, or a Selkie as most villagers seem to believe, has secured her a rather lavish lifestyle. Everywhere she goes she is greeted with a “G’day Miss Skye!”. The villagers have provided her with the most stylish dresses, the coziest wool blankets, pillows made of down rather than feathers or straw, and the softest leather boots. They regularly feed her meals that most only get to enjoy on special occasion. They shower her with flowers, jewellery, and other gifts. All she has to do in return, is sing to their loved ones when they are unwell. 

The one thing no one has provided is friendship. The closest thing Farfalla has to it is her relationship with Fran and Felix, but they are children. Farfalla finds herself denied the adult companionship she craves. The villagers show her respect, admiration, and a semblance of kindness, but below it all there is fear. It’s different than the outward fear the people of Pocket harboured toward her; this fear is kept below the surface. 

Thank you so much for listening.  Join me next week for Chapter 19 – The Beach – in which Farfalla has a strange encounter with a boy reminiscent of a scene in Book 2 – Wingspan.

The Skylark Bell is brought to you by Phaeton Starling Publishing and features original music by Cannelle. If you are enjoying this story, please consider leaving a rating or a review, they are both greatly appreciated. You can also support my work by subscribing to Patreon or Ko-Fi, where you get early access to episodes as well as MP3 downloads of the music, artwork, behind the scenes videos and more! You can also find The Skylark Bell exclusive merch on my website, www.theskylarkbell.com. Just check the show notes for all necessary links.

Once again, thank you for listening – I’m Melissa Oliveri, writer, host and producer of The Skylark Bell Podcast.