The Skylark Bell

Today's Skylark Special episode features the first 4 chapters of the new book I am writing titled The Tales of Ledia Roy.

As you may know, in January we will begin reading SkyeDive, the third and final book in the Skylark Trilogy. With the end of the Skylark books in mind, I’ve started writing a brand-new book, which will likely also turn into a series, called The Tales of Ledia Roy. The first book is called Now You See Me, and today we’ll be reading the first 4 chapters. I hope you enjoy this new story, with new characters, new scenery, and new adventures. If you enjoy this episode and want to read more, I am releasing chapters as I write them exclusively on Patreon, where you can join for as little as $1/month – $12 for an entire year of unlimited access to all my content: Music, Writing, and early access to podcast episodes. It’s a great value and it helps support my work.

PATREON: https://www.patreon.com/melissaoliveri

KO-FI: https://ko-fi.com/theskylarkbell

WEBSITE: https://melissaoliveri.com/the-skylark-bell

INSTAGRAM: @theskylarkbell

FACEBOOK: /theskylarkbell

TWITTER: @melissaoliveri

MUSIC by CANNELLE: https://melissaoliveri.com/cannelle-music

MERCH: https://melissaoliveri.com/store

Now, back to our new friend Ledia, here's a synopsis, to give you an idea of where things are headed:

Ledia Roy is neurodivergent, a musician, and a happenstance clairvoyant. After years of trying to earn a living in music, her big break comes from the unlikeliest of places when a friend interviews her for his indie magazine and asks about how seeing ghosts has inspired her songwriting. Somehow, the article ends up in front of an overseas producer, and Ledia is hired to star as the resident psychic alongside two Scots doing a travelog-style television show about Scotland’s history. Of course, all is not coming up roses. In fact, things are coming up thistles! First her co-star Hamish is displeased that the production company has hired someone who isn't Scottish, and her other co-star, Mac, is charming if you like the brooding, secretive type. Then she has a series of strange encounters with a dark-haired man who insists he knows her, despite Ledia never having set foot in Scotland previously. Of course, when dealing with ghosts there are bound to be risks, and sometimes even consequences. Follow Ledia as she navigates her new surroundings, and the people in them, both living and dead.

Okay, it’s time to settle in… grab a blanket, and a warm drink…  and listen the tales of Ledia Roy.

FULL TRANSCRIPT UNAVAILABLE DUE TO LENGTH

Thank you so much for listening. Tune in next week for a fantastically spooky tale in collaboration with The Haunted UK podcast, which we’ve dubbed The Haunted Skylark. The story is called The Cellar, and was inspired by a real-life paranormal experience shared with me by The Haunted UK and which you can hear on their podcast. The Skylark Bell’s take on things comes with a twist, as we tell the story from the ghost’s point of view.

THE HAUNTED UK PODCAST - https://www.instagram.com/hauntedukpodcast/

The Skylark Bell and The Tales of Ledia Roy are brought to you by Phaeton Starling Publishing and feature original music by Cannelle. I would love for you to join me on Patreon for additional content and be sure to follow my social media accounts where I share regular updates and previews. All necessary links are in the show notes.

Before I go, I’d like to give a shoutout to a few other podcasts. First and foremost is The Boopod Network of paranormal and true crime podcasts, with whom I recently did a collaboration. Next up are a few other podcasts I very much enjoy: The Grim Cities is a fun and well-researched true crime and paranormal podcast that focuses primarily on stories in the state of Minnesota – but I promise you, these guys do such a great job you’ll enjoy their work no matter where you live! Also, a friendly reminder that if you like stories from Minnesota, or if you enjoy hearing real-life tales of bootleggers and mobsters, Volsteadland is a phenomenal, deeply researched podcast delivered with wit and perhaps the occasional drink. Next up is Radio Leven from Scotland – unlike most of the podcasts I listen to, this one is not paranormal or spooky, but it’s hilarious and amazing none-the-less! I love listening to the banter and those amazing accents. This podcast has made me laugh out loud on more than one occasion! Another amazing, and different, podcast is Something, Rather Than Nothing – where host Ken Volante interviews artists of all disciplines about what art means to them and its role in the world. I was lucky enough to sit down and chat with Ken for his podcast last year and it was a deep and fascinating conversation. If you like to philosophize about art and creativity, this is the podcast for you! 

THE GRIM CITIES: https://anchor.fm/thegrimcities

VOLSTEADLAND: https://linkin.bio/volstead_land

RADIO LEVEN: https://anchor.fm/radioleven

SOMETHING (Rather Than Nothing): https://somethingratherthannothing.podbean.com/

BOOPOD NETWORK PODCASTS:

Shittin' Bricks - https://linktr.ee/shittinbricks

The Activity Continues - https://linkin.bio/theactivitycontinues

Generally Spooky - https://linktr.ee/generallyspooky

Mums, Mysteries & Murder - podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/mums-mysteries-murder/id1578866284

Paranormal Exposed - https://linktr.ee/paranormalexposed

The Nightcap - https://linktr.ee/thenightcappodcast

Haunted or Hoax - https://linktr.ee/HauntedorHoax

Spilling the Crime - https://linktr.ee/spillingthecrime

Horror Roulette - https://horrorroulette.com/

Murder Roadtrip - https://anchor.fm/shannon-quinn6

Dark Tales from the Road - https://linktr.ee/darktalesfromtheroad

Certainly Strange - https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLnSaYTGjIX6td-nfxOPnMOZ_ZtTqKmDag

One last shoutout to a completely different entity, I’d like to share that The Skylark Bell has a posting in Witches Magazine out of the UK. Witches Magazine is an absolutely beautiful and enticing publication and The Skylark Bell is proud to be featured in the Witches Notice Board, and thrilled to see that we’re in great company with a collection of other mystical, magical, creative people and businesses. Please take the time to check out the Autumn issue that has just come out, it’s the perfect thing to curl up with this spooky season.

WITCHES MAGAZINE: https://www.witchesmagazine.com/

Anything podcast or business related I’ve mentioned is purely out of my love and respect for them, and a desire to share so others can find and enjoy their creations.

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

In today’s episode, we will hear the story of The Redheaded Hitchhiker. There have been many counts of this apparition over several decades spanning from the 1960s to today. You can hear more about these real-life accounts by listening to Haunted UK podcast. Our take, however, looks at the story from a different perspective... that of the ghost himself!

RELEASED BOOPOD NETWORK BRIDGEWATER EPISODES:

The Nightcap: https://open.spotify.com/episode/5v8a6ZAcqzAObnB8Zcp8ZH?si=gsvVnq-oRXKRzCMMg8vWGA

Haunted UK: https://open.spotify.com/episode/50nqVyMn1x49mNC2WnflGv?si=N77SJPXQQFO9zaGoZ9Vp1A

UPCOMING BOOPOD NETWORK BRIDGEWATER EPISODES:

Mums, Mysteries, & Murder (October 18th): https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/mums-mysteries-murder/id1578866284

Spilling the Crime (October 20th): https://linktr.ee/spillingthecrime

Shittin' Bricks (October 21st): https://shittin-bricks.captivate.fm/

Paranormal Exposed (October 26th): https://www.instagram.com/theparanormaltruth/

The Activity Continues (October 28th): https://www.podpage.com/the-activity-continues/

OTHER BOOPOD NETWORK PODCASTS:

Generally Spooky: https://generallyspooky.com/

Horror Roulette: https://horrorroulette.com/

Murder Roadtrip: https://anchor.fm/shannon-quinn6

Haunted or Hoax: https://hauntedorhoax.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

Melissa on Twitter: @melissaoliveri

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

Cannelle on Instagram: @cannelle.music

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

FULL TRANSCRIPT: 

Things with Wings Productions presents: A Boopod Network Special Collaboration with The Skylark Bell. I am your host, Melissa Oliveri.  

As some of you may know, The Skylark Bell is proud to be associated with the Boopod Network of paranormal and true crime podcasts. Spooky Season has arrived! Join us in celebrating throughout the month of October with the Boopod as we host a one-of-a-kind collaborative project spanning 8 different podcasts. Each podcast will release one episode covering an aspect of the mysterious Bridgewater Triangle area. If you haven’t heard of the Bridgewater Triangle, we suggest you first listen to the project’s introductory episode by The Nightcap. Links to all participating podcasts and the episodes released so far as part of this collaboration are available in the show notes.

The Bridgewater Triangle is located in Massachusetts, USA, and is known for various eerie and unexplained occurrences ranging from ghosts, aliens, and cryptids to crimes, cults, and even native American lore.

In today’s episode, we will hear the story of The Redheaded Hitchhiker. There have been many counts of this apparition over several decades spanning from the 1960s to today. You can hear more about these real-life accounts by listening to Haunted UK podcast. Our take, however, looks at the story from a different perspective... that of the ghost himself!

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

The little girl stands in the middle of the road, the glare from the headlights of the oncoming car illuminating the pale blue of her dress. She waves her arms frantically in the air, a desperate attempt to get the driver’s attention. The car continues on its forward trajectory and drives straight through her. 

They didn’t see her. Again. They never see her. They didn’t see her the first time either, not until it was too late. The girl had watched from the side of the road as the frantic driver leaned over her lifeless body lying on the pavement. She’s been at the side of the road ever since, repeating the grisly scene over and over with each passing car; invisible to every last one.

I chuckle as I watch her walk dejectedly back to the gravel shoulder on the side of the road. We’ve been sharing this makeshift home for decades now. Ever since.... well, we don’t need to talk about that. I was here before her, of course. I saw it all go down. I made it all go down... but we don’t need to talk about that either. Not Yet.

I’m Jim. Jim Favreau. You’ve probably never heard my name, but I’m pretty sure you’ve heard of me. I appear to have been dubbed The Red-Headed Hitchhiker. 

It’s so funny, I spent years doing all the right things: Working hard, raising a family, farming the land, feeding the people... I went to church, I volunteered at the soup kitchen, donated money to the poor when I had it... I did everything right, and life did me wrong. 

It only took a moment. One stand-still moment in time. My entire life, all 43 years, all the joy and heartache, all the blood, sweat, and tears, all for nothing. In one millisecond, it was finished. Over. At least, the living was over. The... after... that was just beginning. 

At first, I stayed by the side of the road, confused. I was still decked out in my farm clothes: A red and black checkered shirt, blue jeans, and work boots. Nothing about me looked different, but everything had changed. Apparently, I died instantly when the tractor hit me as I was bent fixing the flat tire on my truck by the side of Route 44. I stood by the side of the road for what felt like a lifetime, then eventually I wandered up and down along the shoulder, but every time I would reach the mile markers on either side of where I died, I would be zapped back to my starting point. A mile of road, that was my turf. 

I spent years alone, watching as cars drove by, cars broke down, cars swerved around deer... cars with businessmen, briefcases, mothers, children, luggage, dogs with their heads out the windows. It took a little time, but I realized after a while that the dogs could see me. Their ears would perk up, and some would even bark. After decades alone by the side of the road, I started to form an idea in my mind. Maybe, just maybe, if the dogs could see me, I could get the people to see me too. That’s how it all started. Never underestimate loneliness, it can make the best of us turn into the worst.

The first time, I stood by the road and stuck my thumb out. Maybe if someone saw me and picked me up, I could escape the confines of this small stretch of highway. I stood there for hours from dawn to dusk until night enveloped the road and the forest behind me. I was about to give up when I saw headlights in the distance. The car was moving fast. I set one foot onto the pavement and jutted my arm out, thumb in the air. The car showed no sign of slowing down. As it whizzed by, I placed my hands on either side of the passenger window and leaned my face against the glass. The man turned his head and looked at me, saw me! In that moment something came over me, something broke, the me that I had been all my life, decades ago, the kind, hardworking, family man, disappeared in the blink of an eye. In that moment, I became free, free of all expectations, free of all inhibitions, and I started to laugh. I laughed and laughed like a madman. The release was enthralling! The power to scare this man was intoxicating, and I wanted more!

After that first time, I had several unsuccessful attempts at being seen. It took almost 5 years before it happened again. I was standing by the side of the road in the dark, my thumb haphazardly stuck out without much hope of success. To my amazement, the car slowed and pulled over a few feet ahead of me. I walked to the car and let myself in, dazed and in disbelief. Perhaps I would finally escape this place! The man started asking me questions... where I’m from, where I’m going... I kept quiet for the longest time, until I could feel him squirming with discomfort, then I turned to him and grinned. Not the friendly grin I used to offer the pastor or the baker in my Other Life, but the grin of a man with nothing left to lose, including his life. The man slowed down and drove onto the shoulder. I noted the mile marker just a few feet ahead of us... I was so close! The man began to demand that I get out, and as the car passed the mile marker I felt him, his car, and my surroundings fade away. I let out a bitter, echoing laugh.  In a flash I was back where I’d started.

It took me decades to perfect my craft. I had finally found my new calling: Scaring people. There’s something about fear, about being the cause of fear, that gives me great energy. The more frightened people become the more I am capable of. Over and over again I would scare people as they drove down Route 44. Sometimes I would follow them as they walked to a service station looking to mend a broken-down car, sometimes I would simply vanish when they stopped to pick me up, sometimes I would get in their car and laugh and laugh and laugh. I even discovered a neat trick over time, I learned to make my voice come out of the car radio. That stunt really put fear in their bellies!

One of those times, I hopped in the passenger seat of a car driven by a woman. She didn’t stop to pick me up, I just dropped in. She began screaming when she saw me, and I started to laugh. Our chorus of screams and laughter filled the entire car as she stared at me in horror. It was in that moment that she hit the girl. The little girl in the pale blue dress who had stayed out too late playing in the woods by her grandparent’s farm. The little girl who had finally wandered onto the road and was waving her hands at the oncoming car for help. The little girl who died almost exactly where I died, in almost exactly the same way. 

I’m watching her now, starting her routine again. Over and over. She steps onto the road, waving her arms frantically. The cars go through her, every time. They never see her. I giggle and let myself into the car, relishing the panic in the driver’s eyes. The little girl walks dejectedly back to the side of the road, and I laugh and laugh and laugh...

Thank you so much for listening.  Please be sure to follow the podcasts within the Boopod Network to enjoy all the episodes pertaining to The Bridgewater Triangle. Up next in the collaboration is Mums Mysteries and Murder on October 18th, they will cover the murder of Mary Lou Arruda which occurred in the Freetown-Fall state forest.

Then, join me next week for a special collaboration with The Haunted UK podcast where they share a real-life paranormal experience for which The Skylark Bell re-writes a fictional account. Be sure to check the show notes for links to all Boopod Network and Collaborating podcasts! 

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 on Spotify or a review on Apple Podcasts, they help give the podcast visibility so others can find and enjoy the story. You can also support my work by subscribing to my Patreon where you get early access to episodes as well as MP3 downloads of the music, artwork, behind the scenes videos and more! Just check the show notes for links to Patreon, my website, and social media accounts.

Here is a list of Boopod Network Podcasts:

Mums, Mysteries & Murder

Generally Spooky

Murder Road Trip

Haunted Or Hoaxed

Shittin’ Bricks

Horror Roulette

The Activity Continues

Spilling The Crime

Paranormal Exposed

The Nightcap

Haunted UK

and of course... The Skylark Bell

This is the final chapter of Wingspan, closing out Magpie and Luca's story, and opening us up to Farfalla's... but that will come at another time. More specifically, it will come in January of 2023 with season 3 of The Skylark Bell podcast in which we'll read SkyeDive, the third and final book in the Skylark Trilogy.

Be sure to listen to the end of this episode for the premier of a new song by Cannelle, inspired by this story, called Embers & Ash. Both the version featured in this episode as well as an acoustic version are available to Patreon subscribers, join us at http://www.patreon.com/melissaoliveri

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

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

Melissa on Twitter: @melissaoliveri

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

Cannelle on Instagram: @cannelle.music

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

FULL TRANSCRIPT:

Things with Wings Productions presents: Episode 38 of The Skylark Bell, Wingspan. I am your host, Melissa Oliveri.  

In our previous episode, Magpie, still living as Farfalla, tried to warn her younger self of what the future holds before she passed away, but her plan was foiled by the appearance of Dealan-de.

In today’s episode we read Chapter 38 – Epilogue - in which we learn a little bit more about what happened after those final moments.

This is the final chapter of Wingspan, the 2nd book in The Skylark Trilogy. Season 3 will feature the third and final book, titled SkyeDive, which will delve into the story of the original Farfalla, and how life, distance, and time can transform a person.

Between now and the start of season 3 in January, I will be sharing various original stories, including a couple of Halloween specials, and some tales from my other podcast, A Carefully Built Pretend. I also do monthly live storytimes on my Instagram account, @ the skylark bell (just check the show notes for links).

Be sure to listen through to the end of this episode for the premiere of a brand new song called Embers and Ash, which was inspired by the tragic tale of Magpie and Lucas.

Now, it’s time to settle in… grab a blanket, and a warm drink… Here is the short and sweet finale of The Skylark Bell - Wingspan.

I sit and stare at her body for a long time, slowly running my eyes over her face. Perhaps it is what my face would have looked like, eventually. A roadmap of smiles, frowns, and tears etched over the course of decades. I can’t help but admire that wild, white, wavy hair that never allowed itself to be tamed over the course of more than a century. It is remarkable, I suppose. 

I must admit, she caught me by surprise when she grabbed my arm! How clever of her to use me as a conduit to take her a few paces into the future. I can’t help but feel some respect for her, and some sadness. After all, she is family. 

Of course, her little stunt won’t work. 

But you already know that.

I’ve already thrown her diary into the fireplace. The only story that matters is mine. 

But that is a story for another time…

Thank you so much for listening. This concludes Season 2 of The Skylark Bell. I truly hope you’ve enjoyed the story and following Magpie and Lucas’ adventures through distance and time. Be sure to subscribe so you can be notified when Season 3 launches in January! This time, we’ll be revisiting the story from Farfalla’s persepective – and this time we’re talking about the REAL Farfalla.

The Skylark Bell is brought to you by Phaeton Starling Publishing and features original music by Cannelle. I would love for you to join me on Patreon for additional content and be sure to follow my social media accounts where I share regular updates and previews. The Skylark Bell has become an award winning podcast thanks to your support and listenership with season 1 winning Best Podcast in the Multi-Dimension Independent Film Festival, Finalist in the Swedish International Film Festival, and being a Selection in both Flicker’s Rhode Island Film Festival and Minnesota Web Fest.

Once again, thank you, this story, this podcast, wouldn’t be possible without your support and listenership. Now I’m off to write more mystical magical stories, but I’ll be back in no time, no time at all...

Embers & Ash

I’ll be gone from the wreckage

Leaving it all behind

Holding fast to the water

Slipping through my fingers

It’s the wrong time, the wrong time,

the wrong time for us

Twisted hearts in the rubble

Split souls in their wake

We were tired and troubled

Star crossed and ill fated

It’s the wrong time, the wrong time,

the wrong time for us

It can’t be time to say goodbye (don’t go)

I’ll hold on to the embers

Burning in my palm

‘Til they’re nothing but ashes

Floating under the same sun

It was the wrong time, the wrong time

The wrong time for us

In today’s episode we read Chapter 37 – The Beginning of the End - in which Magpie, still living as Farfalla and knowing she is running out of time, tries to warn her younger self in a final attempt to set the timelines straight.

This is the last full chapter of Wingspan. Next week will feature an epilogue which also serves as a prologue of sorts to the third and final book in the Skylark Trilogy – the book is called SkyeDive and will begin airing right here on The Skylark Bell podcast in January of 2023. 

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

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

Melissa on Twitter: @melissaoliveri

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

Cannelle on Instagram: @cannelle.music

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

This week's Boopod Network podcast partner is Murder Roadtrip: https://anchor.fm/shannon-quinn6

FULL TRANSCRIPT:

Things with Wings Productions presents: Episode 37 of The Skylark Bell, Wingspan. I am your host, Melissa Oliveri.  

In our previous episode, Magpie, still living as Farfalla, came full circle and encountered both her mother and her younger self.

In today’s episode we read Chapter 37 – The Beginning of the End - in which Magpie, still living as Farfalla and knowing she is running out of time, tries to warn her younger self in a final attempt to set the timelines straight.

This is the last full chapter of Wingspan. Next week will feature an epilogue which also serves as a prologue of sorts to the third and final book in the Skylark Trilogy – the book is called SkyeDive and will begin airing right here on The Skylark Bell podcast in January of 2023. 

Be sure to listen through to the end of this episode for a preview of a podcast I quite enjoy called Murder Roadtrip.

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

Today is the day. She is sure of it. Magpie sits in the booth at the back of the diner, waiting. The residents of Pocket have gathered here, fearful, panicked even. They have noticed that the silence has left the limits of Meadow Lane, which it had been confined to for nearly one hundred years. The have noticed the swings in the park no longer squeak, the grass in the fields on the edge of town no longer blows in the wind. Pocket is slowly but surely being frozen in time. The silence is spreading.

Last night, Magpie spent hours laying in the dark trying to decide what she should do. She wants to tell her younger self the truth, that Farfalla never returned to Pocket in 1962, having miraculously survived the shipwreck in Scotland. There is no Farfalla, at least there hasn’t been for a very long time. There is only herself, only Magpie. But… if she does that, will it alter the future? Young Magpie was successful in ending the silence at Meadow Lane and saving the town. If she changes anything about the events of that day, could it have a domino effect that would incur a tragic outcome? 

On the other hand, if Magpie knew from the beginning that this was her fate, decades of heartbreak and loneliness, would she perhaps choose a different path, perhaps even have a chance of a long, happy life with Lucas? If so, at what cost? Is she willing to sacrifice the entire town of Pocket, for a chance at her own happiness?

Magpie had stayed awake until the sun’s orange glow began to filter through the sheer curtains of her bedroom. She had risen from her bed and emptied out the bag of birdseed, filling the birdfeeders on her porch to the brim, for the last time, making sure to leave a few handfuls on the ground for the little chipmunk. She had pulled her notebook out from under the mattress, the last remaining relic of her previous life, her real life, and separated the pages from the binding, pinning each of them to the walls of the spare bedroom in chronological order. Knowing they would not be found until… after.

Now she sees Young Magpie in the doorway, wild eyed, and beckons for her to join her in the booth. She proceeds to tell her the story of Meadow Lane, word for word, the way she remembers it being told to her nearly 90 years ago. “Now fly, sweet bird,” she says at last, leaning back in her booth, exhausted. She watches as Young Magpie runs out the door and down the road, hoping she has made the right choice. She shuffles past the crowd that has filled up the dining room and slowly walks home. 

Once inside her house, Magpie pulls a storage box from the hall closet and begins putting together the package she will leave behind for Magpie. She packs what is left of her sketchbook, keys to her house, the deed to Meadow Lane, and a letter she found in a collection of items that she had taken with her from Lucas’ room at the Brighthaven Care home after he passed away. He had somehow come into the possession of a letter from Charlotte Carnifex to Farfalla’s sister, Paloma, that mentions Carnifex House.

Magpie holds the letter in her hand for a long time, hesitating. If Young Magpie and Lucas never go to Scotland, perhaps this entire time loop and the silence at Meadow Lane can be avoided. This is her chance to cut off the head of the Ouroboros. Magpie folds the letter and hides it in a book about native bird species.

Last, Magpie places her diary into the box. It is a last-minute addition. She figures if she can inform her younger self of the truth, tell her the entire story, perhaps things will be different. She couldn’t risk making any changes to the timeline prior to the silence and Meadow Lane being resolved, but she doesn’t see why she can’t try to save herself a lifetime of heartache once it’s over. 

Finally, the packed box sits on top of the dining room table. Magpie sits down to compose her final letter to her younger self. She seals the envelope and writes “Magpie” on the front, then places the envelope on top of the box and tucks the pencil in her pocket. She can still remember Mrs. Kestrel handing her the box as she stood in shock at the front of the diner that day. Today. Today but 90 years ago. Magpie lays her hand on top of the box, trying to enjoy the sense closure, but something at the back of her mind is bothering her.

The final sketch that had magically appeared, the one with “I AM NOT FARFALLA” scribbled on it, how had it gotten there? Who left it?

Magpie can feel her breath coming in shallow bursts. On shaking legs, she makes her way to the rocking chair in the spare room and wraps the green shawl around her shoulders. She sits and looks around at the sketches on the walls, each one depicting a moment of her life, and feels her eyes get heavy.

Just as she is about to give in to the fatigue that has taken over her, she gets a tingling feeling, like a cross between the sensation just before she has a vision, and the light, floating feeling she felt when she time traveled. She opens her eyes, and sees a woman standing in front of her, her long red hair curling down past her shoulders, her white robe skimming the floor. Her piercing blue eyes are fixed on Magpie as a cruel smile curls up the ends of her mouth. In her hands she is holding the book in which Magpie had tucked the letter from Charlotte Carnifex, the letter than had sent Magpie and Lucas to Scotland. She pulls the letter out from the between the pages of the book, and slowly makes her way to the dining room. Magpie can see her through the open doorway and watches in horror as the woman opens the box and places the letter inside before lifting Magpie’s diary out.

The woman walks back into the room and crouches down, so she and Magpie are face to face. “Nothing finds its way in time,” she says, her ethereal voice circling the room.

“Farfalla?” whispers Magpie breathlessly.

“There is no Farfalla, there hasn’t been for a very, very long time, only Dealan-dè,” replies the woman.

Magpie’s eyes widen in horror as reality comes crashing down around her. Lucas was right. Dealan-dè had tricked all of them into doing her bidding, using them as pawns in her cruel game of fate. “The Skylark Bell rings only for the Skye Lark Belle”. The truth had been there all along, engraved onto the bell itself. Dealan-dè was the original Skye Lark Belle! She had controlled every single part of their story, right down to where and when they would exist.

Magpie puts an abrupt stop to her swirling thoughts. There is no time left for why or how, she can tell she is fading fast. Magpie whips her hand out from under the shawl and grips the woman’s arm tightly. The woman looks down at Magpie’s hand, surprised. Before the woman has a chance to react, Magpie starts singing the mystical song, the one that had allowed her to time travel before. Just as she feels herself floating, she reaches out and grabs one of the sketches from the wall. 

Magpie opens her eyes just as the door slams. She is standing in the corner of the same room she and Dealan-dè were in just a moment ago. The green shawl is draped over the back of the empty rocking chair, which is surrounded by bare walls. The wind blows the sheer curtains through the open windows. Magpie shuffles across the room to the chair. She pulls the pencil from her pocket and scrawls her message on the back of the sketch. She can hear a hushed whisper coming from the other side of the door, and her heart glows as she recognizes it.

“Lucas…” she whispers as everything fades to black.

She is out of time.

Thank you so much for listening.  Join me next week for Wingspan chapter 38, Epilogue, where we learn a little more about the events that occurred after Magpie’s passing. Next week’s episode will also include more information about upcoming special episodes, collaborations, and what to expect for season 3 and beyond.

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 on Spotify or a review on Apple Podcasts, they help give the podcast visibility so others can find and enjoy the story. You can also support my work by subscribing to my Patreon where you get early access to episodes as well as MP3 downloads of the music, artwork, behind the scenes videos and more! Just check the show notes for links to Patreon, my website, and social media accounts.

Before I go, I’d like to share this reel for a podcast I quite enjoy called Murder Roadtrip. Our hosts travel alphabetically through the U.S. delving into strange tales from each state. If you enjoy the strange atmosphere of The Skylark Bell you’ll definitely want to check them out.

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 Chapter 36 – Crossing the Line - in which Magpie, after decades of living in Pocket under Farfalla’s identity, finally crosses paths with a familiar face.

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

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

Melissa on Twitter: @melissaoliveri

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

Cannelle on Instagram: @cannelle.music

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

This week's Boopod Network podcast partner is Paranormal Exposed:

FULL TRANSCRIPT: 

Things with Wings Productions presents: Episode 36 of The Skylark Bell, Wingspan. I am your host, Melissa Oliveri.  

In our previous episode, Magpie was finally reunited with Lucas for the last time, allowing them both to gain closure before he passed away.

In today’s episode we read Chapter 36 – Crossing the Line - in which Magpie, after decades of living in Pocket under Farfalla’s identity, finally crosses paths with a familiar face.

Be sure to listen through to the end of the episode for a preview of another spooky podcast I quite enjoy called Paranormal Exposed.

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

Magpie is carrying several jars of blackberry jam in a basket, taking slow shuffling steps toward Tuffeto’s. She’s not as strong and limber as she once was, and the basket feels heavy.

“Good morning, Farfalla,” says Mr. Tuffeto pleasantly as she walks in the door, “I’ve got your package ready to go right here, just a moment,” he says, placing the last of the cupcakes in the display case before stepping behind the counter.  

Magpie hears the bakery door open behind her, followed by light footsteps on the hardwood floor. Her heart jumps when she hears a familiar voice say, “Oh my, the smell in here is absolutely divine!”

“Fresh baked bread will do it every time,” says Mr. Tuffeto, turning his attention to the woman.

Magpie can feel her heart shattering into a million pieces. She hasn’t heard her mother’s voice in nearly 60 years. She swallows down the lump in her throat and blinks back the tears that have sprung in her eyes.

“Oh, I didn’t mean to skip the line, please go ahead,” says Mrs. Phaeton, noticing Magpie standing against the wall. Magpie continues to stare straight ahead, knowing she will break down if she turns to look at her mother’s beautiful face.

Mr. Tuffeto, sensing awkwardness, asks Mrs. Phaeton “What brings you in today?”

“My daughter and I are having a dinner date tonight, I thought I’d stop in for a baguette and perhaps some dessert,” she replies.

Mr. Tuffeto points her in the direction of the cupcakes, then grabs a baguette from the basket on the counter behind him and places it by the cash register. Finally, he brings Magpie’s package over while Mrs. Phaeton is busy choosing desserts from the glass display case. Magpie hands him the basket with the jars of jam and scurries away, tears still stinging her eyes. She shuffles home as quickly as her century-old legs will allow. Once inside her house she collapses into her rocking chair and pulls the green shawl over her knees. Only then does she allow her tears to flow. She has always known this day would come, but she has spent so many years lost in the blur of her daily routine, she lost track of time. “And so begins the end…” she says to herself between heaving sobs.

Magpie stays home for a few days, terrified of running into her mother again. Finally, realizing she can’t stay hidden forever, she makes her way to The Early Bird for breakfast, but instead of her routine shuffle to and from the diner she is on high alert, constantly looking around. 

She can’t remember the exact day she first encountered Farfalla in her youth, it has been almost 90 years. She knows at some point she will come face to face with herself, and the thought sends a chill down her spine as she recalls Lucas’ final words, “Crossing timelines sparked the silence.” After a few weeks of business-as-usual, Magpie starts to let her guard down. Perhaps the events won’t repeat exactly, perhaps things will be different this time.

On a warm summer day, she decides to spend a little extra time on her front porch before heading to The Early Bird. She sits quietly, soaking in the sun, throwing pieces of dried corn to the little chipmunk that has taken residence under the flagstone walkway on her front lawn. Finally, she starts to feel hungry and makes her way to the diner.

“Farfalla, you’re late!” teases Mrs. Kestrel by tapping her watch as Magpie walks in the door. Magpie smiles at her as she slowly makes her way to her usual booth at the back of the restaurant. She takes her time savouring her usual blackberry waffles and sweet orange tea, watching as the residents of Pocket come and go. Of all the places in Pocket, The Early Bird has pretty much remained the same in the 53 years since she landed here, and it provides her with a sense of comfort and security.

Finally, Magpie is ready to go home. She stands and walks slowly across the dining room to the exit. She pushes the door open and steps out into the light of day, the wind blowing her long white hair wildly around her head. It takes her a moment to realize there is someone standing in front of her. A wave of shock runs through her body when she recognizes her younger self; wild red hair, a spattering of freckles across her nose, bright blue eyes staring at her, opened as wide as they will go. It is only a fleeting moment. Magpie pushes past and walks as quickly as her old feet can handle. 

It has happened. The day has come. She feels the electricity in the air, and that invisible heaving of the earth beneath her feet. The crossing of timelines. The silence at Meadow Lane will start to spread now, it has all been set in motion. The memories come to her in a flash, one after the other. Next, she will see her younger self and Lucas having a picnic on the front lawn of the library. She recalls how, back then, she had felt sorry for Farfalla’s lonely existence. Little did she know…

Magpie finally reaches her house and lets herself fall into one of the chairs on the front porch, not having the strength to find her key, unlock the door, and let herself inside. She sits for a moment, gathering her thoughts. Something is tingling at the back of her mind, something off, something wrong. 

A blackbird lands on the porch railing, staring at her with its round shiny eyes. Slowly, Magpie realizes what it is that is bothering her. That day she and Lucas had a picnic, just after she had seen Farfalla across the street, a flock of birds had flown overhead and one of them had dropped a blackberry on her lap. She had placed the blackberry in the picnic basket, but later on it had disappeared, leaving a small silver feather-shaped key in its place. A key that had eventually unlocked the box in which the Skylark Bell was stored, beneath the secret floorboard at Meadow Lane. At the time, and for many years later, she and Lucas had presumed Farfalla was the one behind this magic trick, like she was gifted with special powers of some sort.

Magpie is well aware she has no such powers. While she is friendly with the birds on her porch, she certainly cannot control how and where they fly, or when. Nor can she transform a berry into a key. But, if she wasn’t responsible for the strange occurrences, then… who?

Thank you so much for listening.  Join me next week for Wingspan chapter 37, The Beginning of the End, where Magpie, still living as Farfalla and knowing she is running out of time, tries to warn her younger self in a final attempt to set the timelines straight.

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 on Spotify or a review on Apple Podcasts, they help give the podcast visibility so others can find and enjoy the story. You can also support my work by subscribing to my Patreon where you get early access to episodes as well as MP3 downloads of the music, artwork, behind the scenes videos and more! Just check the show notes for links to Patreon, my website, and social media accounts.

Before I go, I’d like to share this reel for a podcast I quite enjoy called Paranormal Exposed. Listen to the skeptic host’s take on paranormal stories. If you enjoy the the more ghostly side of The Skylark Bell you’ll want to check out paranormal exposed.

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 Chapter 35 – Closure - in which Magpie discovers the identity of the person who sent the letter.

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

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

Melissa on Twitter: @melissaoliveri

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

Cannelle on Instagram: @cannelle.music

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

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

FULL TRANSCRIPT:

Things with Wings Productions presents: Episode 35 of The Skylark Bell, Wingspan. I am your host, Melissa Oliveri.  

In our previous episode, Magpie received a strange letter requesting her presence at the care home in Brighthaven.

In today’s episode we read Chapter 35 – Closure - in which Magpie discovers the identity of the person who sent the letter.

Be sure to listen through to the end of the episode for a preview of a podcast I quite enjoy called haunted or hoax.

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

“Mr. Corbeau, your guest is here.” The nun’s words swirl around Magpie’s head and she begins to feel dizzy. Mr. Corbeau… Marius Corbeau? But he never even existed! Unless…

“You may come in now,” says Sister Agnes, her head peeking out from the open door.

Magpie takes a deep breath and steps into the room. It takes a moment for her eyes to adjust to the darkness, she blinks a few times then looks around. The room is quite small with only the basic necessities; a bed, a dresser, and a small desk and chair. Magpie turns her attention to the bed, there is an old man lying in it, layers of blankets piled on top of his legs despite the warm spring day.

“I will leave you now, but please don’t hesitate if you should need anything from me,” says Sister Agnes warmly, holding onto Magpie’s hands. She looks like she is deciding whether to stay more, then gestures with her head for Magpie to follow her back out into the hallway. “I should probably warn you; he is very ill. After 98 years of living, I’m afraid he doesn’t have much time left. I’m very sorry,” She gives Magpie’s hand a squeeze, then turns and walks away, the sound of her block heel shoes echoing down the hall. 

Magpie turns back toward the door, her heart pounding. She walks back into the room and tentatively steps to the side of the bed. “Mr. Corbeau?” she says, leaning toward the man who appears to be sleeping with his back turned toward her. She sees some movement at the foot of the bed, and the man makes a soft sound as he slowly turns himself around. 

Magpie lets out a gasp as recognition sets in. His face is carved with deep lines, and his hair is snowy white, the grey of his eyes is faded and milky, but she would recognize him anywhere. “Lucas!” she whispers, confused, horrified, and relieved and all the same time. The man strains to focus his eyes on her, and a smile slowly makes its way onto his face. He lifts his hand up to touch her face. “Lucas, how…? I don’t understand!” she says, tears streaming down her face. How can Lucas be here? How can he be 98 years old? He was only 25 when she left him at Carnifex House, she had made sure to put everything in place for him to live a happy, fulfilling life if she never returned!

“I tried so hard to find you,” he whispers. 

The noise that escapes from Magpie doesn’t even sound human. Never has she felt this level of pain, not even when Lucas first disappeared. She had finally accepted that she would never see him again, at least not as an adult, and consoled herself with the fact that he would be living a long happy life at Carnifex House. But here she is standing before a yet another cruel twist of fate.

Magpie takes a deep breath to compose herself then walks over to the desk to get the chair and brings it to the side of the bed. She sits down and takes a hold of Lucas’ hand.

“I’m so sorry,” he whispers, tears spilling from his eyes. 

“Shh, no need for that,” she says reassuringly, running a hand along his cheek. 

Suddenly a thought occurs to her, “Lucas, how did you find me? Here, in this time?” she asks.

He smiles and winks, “I was always clever, you know,” he says, clearly struggling to get the words out. “It took me a long time to figure it out.” He pauses, giving himself a moment to find the strength to continue. “I AM NOT FARFALLA,” he finally spits out. “It was you… all along. It was always you,” he says. 

Magpie sits back, reeling. Remembering the impossible sketch that had appeared out of thin air the day they cleaned out Farfalla’s house, her house. The sketch on which someone, herself, had scrawled a final clue, the words “I AM NOT FARFALLA”. So, Lucas had somehow ended up on a different timeline, one that began long before any of the events at Meadow Lane, long before the timeline Magpie is living in now, and somehow, he had figured out that she was the Farfalla of their youth. Somehow, he had found a way to get a message to her, so they could be together one last time.

Magpie tells him about his Grandma Gemma, and about how she herself held his father as a baby. She tells him about her knitting and blackberry jam, and how she has an arrangement with the Tuffetos. She tells him about her daily breakfast of blackberry waffles and sweet orange tea at The Early Bird, and how she always sits in the booth at the very back. She tells him about the people of Pocket being frightened of her, thinking she placed the curse on Meadow Lane, and that she lets them think that because it means they don’t approach her to ask questions. 

“I’m just biding my time until I see you again, as a young boy, and eventually, myself,” she says, a sad smile on her face.

Lucas’ eyes grow wide, and he shakes his head from side to side. He whispers something unintelligible. 

“What’s that?” she asks gently, leaning closer to hear him.

“Crossing. Timelines.” He chokes out. Magpie furrows her brow, confused. “Don’t cross timelines,” he says again.

“What do you mean, Lucas? I don’t understand,” she says.

He takes a deep breath, digging deep to get his message across. “I tried to come back… 1925… Marius… Mirror Pond,” he stops to catch his breath. “Crossing timelines… sparked the silence,” he says, closing his eyes, exhausted from the effort.

Magpie takes a moment to sort out the disjointed thoughts. Finally, she thinks she understands. “Lucas, do you mean that the silence at Meadow Lane started when you came into contact with your younger self?” she asks. Lucas gives her an almost imperceptible nod. Magpie ponders a little longer. If the silence began when Lucas and his younger self encountered each other, maybe Meadow Lane was just frozen in time, immobile for decades until… “

“Lucas, the silence at Meadow Lane started spreading after I met Farfalla,” she begins. He, again, nods quietly. “Crossing timelines is what made it start, and also what will make it grow.”

He finally opens his eyes to look at her. “One last thing,” he says, truly struggling at this point. “In the forest, there was a woman. She called herself Dealan-dè.” He pauses for a long while and Magpie wonders whether he has fallen asleep. “I think she sent me here on purpose. She was angry because I thought she was you, because I was hoping she was you,” he finally says. 

Magpie takes his hand, “I’m here now,” she says, leaning over to lay a tender kiss on his cheek. 

“I love you, Magpie. I always loved you,” he whispers.

Magpie feels tears burning her eyes, “I love you too, Lucas,” she says. Unaware in that moment that those would be the last words she would ever speak.

Lucas lays in bed, his head turned toward her, his eyes never leaving her face, his hand never leaving her grasp, as he breathes his last breath.

Thank you so much for listening.  Join me next week for Wingspan chapter 36, Crossing the Line, in which Magpie, after decades of living in Pocket under Farfalla’s identity, finally crosses paths with a familiar face.

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 on Spotify or a review on Apple Podcasts, they help give the podcast visibility so others can find and enjoy the story. You can also support my work by subscribing to my Patreon where you get early access to episodes as well as MP3 downloads of the music, artwork, behind the scenes videos and more! Just check the show notes for links to Patreon, my website, and social media accounts.

Before I go, I’d like to share this reel for a podcast I quite enjoy called Haunted or Hoax. Listen to this paranormal investigation podcast that travels around the United States. If you enjoy the haunted atmosphere of The Skylark Bell you’ll want to check them out.   

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 Chapter 34 – The Letter - in which Magpie receives a mysterious letter requesting she visit a nearby care home.

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

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

Melissa on Twitter: @melissaoliveri

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

Cannelle on Instagram: @cannelle.music

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

This week's Boopod Network podcast partner is The Nightcap: https://www.instagram.com/_the_nightcap_/

FULL TRANSCRIPT:

Things with Wings Productions presents: Episode 34 of The Skylark Bell, Wingspan. I am your host, Melissa Oliveri.  

In our previous episode, after Lucas’ final attempt at returning to his own timeline fails, he turns his back on Meadow Lane.

In today’s episode we read Chapter 34 – The Letter - in which Magpie receives a mysterious letter requesting she visit a nearby care home.

Be sure to listen through to the end of the episode for a preview of a podcast I quite enjoy called The Nightcap.

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

It has been 8 years since Magpie landed in Pocket and began living as Farfalla. She has fallen into her routines and keeps herself busy knitting and cooking. When Monsieur Tourtereaux retired last year and sold his bakery to Mr. and Mrs. Tuffeto she wrote a note to introduce herself and came to an agreement with them that she would provide blackberry jam for them to sell in exchange for a small loaf of bread every other day. From the very beginning they treat her with kindness and respect, not harbouring the fear and mistrust that most of the local residents do, perhaps because they are not native to Pocket. Occasionally Mrs. Tuffeto sneaks one of her beautiful cupcakes, or a canister of herbal tea into the package with Farfalla’s bread, and they provide her with bird seed when they go to the neighbouring town for supplies.

Magpie is walking home from the diner, as is her custom. It is a beautiful spring day, the Magnolia in front of Tuffeto’s is in full bloom, as are the tulips and hyacinths, and she inhales deeply to collect their perfume off the breeze. She glances at the front porch of Tuffeto’s and, sure enough, her package is in a large paper bag waiting for her. She climbs up the steps to collect it, waving at them through the window before heading back down and turning the corner to get to her house.

As she reaches her front door, Magpie sees an envelope tucked in the crack between the door and the wall. She puts her package down at her feet and takes the envelope, turning it over in her hands to see what is written on the front. Her heart skips a beat when she sees who it is addressed to.

Margaret Phaeton

Her real name. Not just her name, Magpie, but her real given name. No one knows her real name here, not a soul. She hasn’t even been born yet! There is no address on the envelope, no stamp, nothing to indicate where it has come from or who sent it. Magpie turns and looks around nervously, half expecting someone to be watching her, but her quiet little street is deserted. She unlocks the door with a trembling hand, gathers her package, and steps into her house, closing and locking the door tightly behind her. She places the letter on the dining room table and busies herself with putting away the bread and bonus cherry turnovers that Mrs. Tuffeto has packed in her bag. She puts on the kettle and grabs a mug from the cupboard, selects an herbal tea with lavender to calm her nerves, and stands by the stove waiting for the water to boil, her eyes fixed on the mysterious white envelope on the table. 

Finally, the whistle of the kettle startles her back to reality. She turns off the burner and pours the steaming water into her cup before walking over to the table and taking a seat. She takes a deep breath and picks up the envelope, running her eyes over the ornate cursive handwriting on the front, before carefully running her finger along the seal to pry it open, and slipping out the folded piece of paper contained within.

Mrs. Phaeton, your presence is kindly requested at the Brighthaven Care Home at your earliest availability. This is an urgent matter that requires your immediate attention. Thank you.

The letter itself is written with a typewriter and remains unsigned. Magpie frowns. Brighthaven?! She’d only been there a handful of times back when she was in high school, usually for events or to go shopping with her mother. She had no connection to it otherwise. Who could have possibly sent this letter, and how do they know her true identity?!

Magpie folds the letter back up and returns it to its envelope, then places it in her pocket for safe keeping. She doesn’t want it getting into the wrong hands. After all this time it would be very troublesome for her if people were to find out she isn’t actually Farfalla. She ponders how she can even get to Brighthaven, it is too far to walk, and she doesn’t have a vehicle. “I’ll ask Mr. Tuffeto to bring me with him next time he goes for supplies,” she says out loud as she grabs her notepad and pen to jot down her request. At first it was difficult to remain mute, but she has grown accustomed to finding other ways to communicate with people when the need arises. “There,” she says, holding up her note. She slips on her shoes and walks to the corner to deliver her request to the bakery.

Two days later, Magpie is riding in the passenger seat of Mr. Tuffeto’s delivery truck. She smiles as he sings along with the songs on the radio, and looks out the window at the sunlit fields and beautiful country houses. Finally, they pull up to the Brighthaven Care Home, a large beige brick building that had once served as a convent.

“I’ll come back to pick you up at 3pm, okay?” says Mr. Tuffeto, making eye contact with her to ensure she understands him. Magpie nods and lets herself out of the truck. 

She stops to look up at the building, the sunlight reflecting from its many windows. It is surrounded by ancient trees, their leaves reaching far above the roof of the 3-story building, and Magpie can hear a chorus of birds welcoming the day. Statues stand guard in multiple alcoves in the front of the building, she counts six of them. They are surrounded by windows, each framed with bright white shutters, their glass reflecting the bright green of the budding trees. 

Magpie walks nervously to the massive oak door, its wood carved with intricate symbols, and gives the brass door knocker three loud taps. A moment later she hears echoing footsteps on the other side, and the door swings inwards. Magpie is surprised to see a small woman dressed all in white, down to her shoes and socks, with a veil covering her hair. Magpie’s brow furrows as she briefly wonders if she is in the right place. The woman notices her confused expression and smiles. “I’m Sister Agnes. Please, come in,” she says, her voice soft and reassuring. She gestures toward the space beyond the door and Magpie steps inside. She takes a moment to marvel at the art hanging on the walls, then lets her gaze travel over the beautifully tiled floor, and the architecture of the ornate pillars and woodwork throughout the hall. “Most people don’t realize that several of us nuns stayed on to care for the residents here after the convent was converted,” she explains. She pauses to give Magpie time to take in the space, then asks “Are you here to see someone in particular?” 

Magpie nods and pulls the envelope out from her pocket. “Ah, I see. Yes, follow me,” she says, and walks at a fast pace down the hall then up a grand staircase to the second floor. She guides Magpie down a long hallway to the very last room and knocks gently on the door before turning the knob and swinging it open. The room inside is dark, all the shades are drawn. The nun steps through the door, disappearing into the shadows beyond.

 “Mr. Corbeau,” she says, her voice echoing into the hallway, “your guest is here.”

Thank you so much for listening.  Join me next week for Wingspan chapter 35, Closure, where Magpie finds out the identity of the person who requested her presence at the care home.

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 on Spotify or a review on Apple Podcasts, they help give the podcast visibility so others can find and enjoy the story. You can also support my work by subscribing to my Patreon where you get early access to episodes as well as MP3 downloads of the music, artwork, behind the scenes videos and more! Just check the show notes for links to Patreon, my website, and social media accounts.

Before I go, I’d like to share this reel for a podcast I quite enjoy called The Nightcap. Listen to tales of the unusual, and unexplained. If you enjoy the strange atmosphere of The Skylark Bell you’ll want to check them out.

Once again, thank you for listening – I’m Melissa Oliveri, and this is The Skylark Bell Podcast.

In today’s episode we read Chapter 33 – Sparking Silence - in which Lucas tries desperately to find a way to put his and Magpie’s timelines back in place

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

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

Melissa on Twitter: @melissaoliveri

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

Cannelle on Instagram: @cannelle.music

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

This week's Boopod Network podcast partner is Horror Roulette: http://www.horrorroulette.com

FULL TRANSCRIPT

Things with Wings Productions presents: Episode 33 of The Skylark Bell, Wingspan. I am your host, Melissa Oliveri.  

In our previous episode, Magpie came to the devastating realisation that she is the woman she knew as Farfalla in her youth, and that she will live out her days in Pocket.

In today’s episode we read Chapter 33 – Sparking Silence - in which Lucas tries desperately to find a way to put his and Magpie’s timelines back in place

Be sure to listen through to the end of the episode for a preview of a podcast I quite enjoy called Horror Roulette.

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

It is 1925. Lucas is now older than Magpie was when they last parted ways in the forest. Life has been hard; he has spent the last 30 years building houses in Pocket and neighbouring Brighthaven. The job requires a lot of physical labour, and Lucas’ body is showing signs of wear. But today he has a spring in his step. It is winter. A brutal winter. He remembers his experience with it the first time. He was much younger then, and stronger, but not as wise… not as desperate.

This time Lucas has a plan. A plan that has been three decades in the making. Thirty years ago, he came to Meadow Lane in the dark of night, the field in front of the partially built structure of the house illuminated by the full moon. He had pulled the small acorn from the Forest near Carnifex house out of his satchel, and held it in the palm of his hand, pouring his deepest wish, his deepest desire into it, before carefully planting it into the ground. Three decades of changing seasons, of sun and rain and wind, of birds and squirrels, all witnesses to the oak tree rising out of the ground, getting bigger and stronger with every passing year.

Now, it is 1925, it is winter, and Lucas is going home. He knows exactly what to do. He will find his younger self at Mirror Pond, bring him to the oak tree, and together they will travel back to Pòcaid. He remembers the events from the first time he lived them, remembers the old man in the snow. The old man hadn’t been with him when he woke up at Carnifex house, but perhaps he had travelled to a different timeline. He can only hope that he will finally find Magpie. This is his only chance; it has to work.

Lucas has spent the last three days living in the barn at the Starling farm, having enlisted Gordon Starling’s help by telling him he is an old friend of the Marius, and of the Carnifex family from next door. Gordon has been a gracious host, providing blankets, a lantern, and food.

Well rested and revitalized, Lucas is ready for the work ahead. He squints against the blowing snow and pulls his scarf further up around his face, leaving only a narrow space for his eyes. He knows the approximate location of Mirror Pond despite the mounds of snow drifting across the quarry. If his memory serves him right, his younger self should be arriving at any moment. He waits by the side of the road for what feels like an eternity when, at long last, he sees Cormorant, his shining black coat a stark contrast to the blinding white of the snow. Lucas starts to make his way toward them and sees the familiar scene unfold. The scarf blowing onto Cormorant’s face, the huge animal rearing up in fear, and his younger self falling to the ground. 

Lucas shuffles through the deep snow as quickly as he can and leans over his younger self. “You’re going to take me with you!” he says, not realizing the depth of the desperation he has been feeling until now. “Take me with you!” he says again. His younger self loses consciousness, his body going limp in Lucas’ grasp. Lucas digs deep and finds superhuman strength to lift Young Lucas onto his shoulders, then carries him toward the oak tree. 

It feels like an eternity, but they finally make it across the quarry to the tree. Lucas puts his younger self down and leans him against the tree trunk. He peers into the man’s face, his own face… the eeriness of the situation sends a shiver down his spine. Young Lucas is still unconscious. Worried, Lucas decides to go ask Gordon Starling for help, perhaps a thermos of hot tea or soup to help warm him up. He hesitates, not wanting to step away. He can’t miss this opportunity, but he also can’t leave Young Lucas unconscious in the cold, he must do something. 

Pressing his lips together, Lucas hurries across the road to the Starling farm. Gordon springs into action almost immediately, he and Marius are very close and have a great relationship. Lucas shifts his weight from one foot to the other with impatience while Gordon gathers the items he has requested. This is his one chance at going home, he can’t bear the thought of what will happen if he misses it. At long last Gordon returns to the door with a thermos full of hot soup and some blankets. Lucas thanks him profusely and runs back across the road toward Meadow Lane.

His pace slows as he approaches the tree. Young Lucas is no longer sitting on the ground leaning against its trunk. “No, no, please, no!” says Lucas, feeling tears well up in his eyes. He circles the tree, hoping perhaps Young Lucas simply crawled to the other side, but in his heart, he knows the truth. His younger self is already gone. Lucas drops to his knees into the snow, his gaze traveling up through the bare branches of the oak tree to the grey, overcast sky above before lowering to the ground. He stays in the snow for some time, devastated, but eventually the cold starts seeping through his clothes, and he realizes he needs to find shelter. 

Lucas stands up and takes a moment to gather his thoughts. Suddenly, he realizes that the sound of the wind has died completely. So completely in fact that it doesn’t seem possible. Lucas stomps his feet in the snow, but he hears nothing. Concerned that something is wrong, he breaks off a twig from a branch of the oak tree, holds one end of it in each hand and lifts it up to his ear before snapping it, but the world around him remains completely silent. Lucas’ heart starts pounding. The silence. This is the silence at Meadow Lane. It started here. Now. 

Lucas hurriedly walks through the snow back toward the main road. A few paces away from the oak tree he is hit by a wave of sound. Wind, crunching footsteps, his heavy breathing. It is in that moment that Lucas realizes that crossing his own timeline is what sparked the silence at Meadow Lane. It started beneath the oak tree and spread to the entire property. All this time, everyone in town blamed Farfalla, blamed her curse. All this time… and it was him. He was responsible for it. Lucas is horrified by the realization. He stumbles back to the Starling’s barn and lays beneath layers of blankets, shivering, partly from the cold, and partly from shame, guilt, and fear.

The Starlings continue to care for him over the next few days, and the weather gradually improves. Finally, it is clear enough for Lucas to leave the Starling farm.

“Thank you for your kindness,” he says to Gordon.

Gordon smiles, “My pleasure! Any friend of Marius’ is a friend of mine,” he says.

“Marius was very fortunate to have a friend like you,” replies Lucas.

“He is fortunate. Don’t write him off just yet! Marius is the toughest, smartest man I know, I’ll be lucky to grow up to be half the man he is someday!” says Gordon, his voice filled with confidence. He turns to Cormorant, cozy in his stall. “Right, old friend? We’re just going to take care of each other until Marius comes back.”

Lucas feels a sting in his heart. The moment is bittersweet, he knows Marius is never coming back, but he feels relief knowing Cormorant will live out his days in Gordon’s care.

“I wish you all the best, Gordon. You’re going to do great things, I’m sure of it,” he says finally, shaking the boy’s hand.

“Thanks! I hope to see you again someday!” replies Gordon. 

Lucas nods without saying anything. He leans in toward Cormorant and whispers, “goodbye, old friend,” then turns and heads out of the barn. He walks to the bottom of the driveway and turns to look back at the house, Grandma Gemma’s house, his house. He stares at it for along moment, committing every detail to memory. Then he takes a few more steps and stops to look at Meadow Lane. 

“Farfalla is in there,” he thinks, his heart aching. “And Magpie, where is she?” He wonders, his heart sinking even deeper into his chest. He stands for a long moment despite the bitter cold, remembering his childhood with Grandma Gemma, his time spent exploring with Magpie, his time riding on Cormorant’s back with Farfalla. All this time, only to end up in the wrong time. 

“Goodbye,” he whispers, as he finally turns and walks away from Meadow Lane, for the very last time.

Thank you so much for listening.  Join me next week for Wingspan   Chapter 34 – The Letter - in which Magpie receives a mysterious letter requesting she visit a nearby care home.

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 on Spotify or a review on Apple Podcasts, they help give the podcast visibility so others can find and enjoy the story. You can also support my work by subscribing to my Patreon where you get early access to episodes as well as MP3 downloads of the music, artwork, behind the scenes videos and more! Just check the show notes for links to Patreon, my website, and social media accounts.

Before I go, I’d like to share this reel for a podcast I quite enjoy called Horror Roulette. Em and Nick are fantastic hosts who discuss paranormal events and true crime. If you enjoy the supernatural atmosphere of The Skylark Bell you’ll want to check them out.

Once again, thank you for listening – I’m Melissa Oliveri, and this is The Skylark Bell Podcast. 

In today’s episode we read Chapter 32 – Today’s Special - in which Magpie once again finds herself in the town of Pocket, where she comes to a startling, and devastating realisation.

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

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

Melissa on Twitter: @melissaoliveri

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

Cannelle on Instagram: @cannelle.music

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

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

Something (Rather Than Nothing) podcast: https://allmylinks.com/volanteunion

Ken Volante's interview with The Skylark Bell creator Melissa Oliver on the Something (Rather Than Nothing) podcast: https://www.podbean.com/ew/pb-jbynw-1054d07

FULL TRANSCRIPT:

Things with Wings Productions presents: Episode 32 of The Skylark Bell, Wingspan. I am your host, Melissa Oliveri.  

In our previous episode, Lucas comes face to face with the infamous Dealan-de, who has long been thought to be responsible for the Vanishings at Carnifex House.

In today’s episode we read Chapter 32 – Today’s Special - in which Magpie once again finds herself in the town of Pocket, where she comes to a startling, and devastating realisation.

Be sure to listen through to the end of the episode for a preview of a podcast I quite enjoy called Mums Mysteries and Murder. I also want to mention a podcast called Something, Rather than Nothing, which discusses art and its role in our lives. I was interviewed by Ken Volante for Something Rather Than Nothing last year, just check the show notes for links to that interview, Ken’s podcast, and Mums Mysteries and Murder. 

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

Magpie keeps her eyes closed but loosens her grip on the trunk of the oak tree at Meadow Lane. For some reason, her arms don’t seem as outstretched as they were when she first encircled it, like the tree has grown smaller somehow. She opens her eyes and looks around. Her heart sinks when she sees the dilapidated house at Meadow Lane up ahead. She releases the tree and turns to walk quietly back down the lane, wrapped in the now familiar silence. 

Magpie feels relief wash over her as she steps onto the road and hears the gravel crunch beneath her feet. The sound of an engine causes her to look up, and she sees a vintage turquoise pickup truck breeze passed her on its way toward town. “You don’t see those every day!” she says to herself, turning to follow its trajectory.

As Magpie nears town, she feels a growing sense of unease. In the time it has taken her to walk from Meadow Lane to Bunting’s General Store, she has seen four more vintage vehicles. Three pickup trucks, and a convertible car driven by a woman with oversized sunglasses and a colourful scarf in her hair. 

Magpie sees a couple walking out of the store, the man dressed in pleated wool pants and a jacket, the woman wearing a green tweed skirt suit with matching hat, her hair peeking out from under it in a perfect bob. Magpie continues down the street, not oblivious to the looks she is getting from people as she walks by. Everyone she sees is dressed in vintage clothing. Finally, Magpie finds herself standing in front of The Early Bird diner, it looks the same as it did the last time she was there. She allows herself to feel a small sense of relief at the familiar sight and a smile forms on her lips. Her joy is quickly replaced with shock when she sees the sign posted in the window “Wednesday, June 13th, 1962 – Today’s Special – Blackberry Waffles!”

Magpie starts shaking, unsure what to do next. Suddenly, she hears hushed whispers coming from the sidewalk behind her. She turns and sees a crowd gathering, everyone looking at her and whispering to one another behind their hands. She picks up bits and pieces of their hushed conversations “she’s back”, “how is it possible”, “where has she been all this time”. Suddenly, a hand grabs her arm and pulls her into the restaurant. 

“I’m sorry to have taken a hold of you so abruptly, but you looked like you could use a hand,” says a petite woman, her silky brown hair curled into a perfect flip at the ends. The woman looks vaguely familiar, but Magpie can’t place her. The woman keeps chatting as they slowly make their way across the dining room. “Are you hungry?” she asks, turning toward Magpie. 

Magpie nods absent-mindedly as her gaze travels to the scarf around the woman’s neck. She almost falls over in shock as recognition washes over her. It’s the same scarf she had taken from Grandma Gemma’s house after Gemma passed away decades ago. Magpie has worn that scarf countless times over the years. This woman is Gemma, Lucas’ grandmother! 

“Come, let’s sit down,” says Gemma, guiding Magpie to a booth at the back of the restaurant, the same booth where Magpie sat across from Farfalla all those years ago. “We’ll have two orders of those blackberry waffles, and a pot of sweet orange tea, please” she says as the waitress walks up to their table. The waitress nods and scurries back to the counter where she immediately begins to gossip with the row of customers seated on the red swivel stools.

“People have a lot of questions for you Mrs- ” she begins, before stopping herself. “May I call you Farfalla?” she asks politely. 

Magpie is stunned to find herself nodding. What is going on?! She sits across from Gemma, listening to her talk about her family, her husband, their house on the outskirts of the village. Magpie remains in a trance, letting the warmth of the sweet orange tea wash through her as she silently eats her blackberry waffles with one hand, her other hand clutching her satchel, which contains the last remnants of her real life.

Gemma and her husband graciously offer for Magpie to stay at their house, “Lucas’ house,” thinks Magpie, for several weeks. Every morning, before anyone else is awake, Magpie runs to the old oak tree at Meadow Lane and stands with one hand pressed into its trunk, hoping to hear the haunting melody that might bring her back home to Lucas, but she finds only the same thick, unbearable silence that will remain there until her younger self rings the Skylark Bell more than 50 years from now. Resigned to her new reality, she focuses on learning how to knit from Gemma, who is an excellent teacher. Magpie catches on quickly, and before she knows it, she is knitting mittens, scarves, shawls, and sweaters to sell at the farmer’s market. She perfects her blackberry jam recipe and starts selling that too. 

Within a few months Magpie is earning enough to put a down payment on the small house around the corner from Monsieur Tourtereaux’s Bakery, which would eventually become Tuffeto’s. She falls into a routine, keeping to herself, focusing on her knitting and tending to the blackberry bushes that she has planted all around the front and side of her house. She starts to collect birdhouses, making fast friends of their various residents as she sits on the porch with an outstretched hand covered in birdseed. She and Gemma stay in touch, regularly getting together for tea. Eventually, Gemma becomes pregnant and gives birth to a son, who would eventually grow up to be Lucas’ father. Magpie’s heart aches when she sees the baby. She had witnessed his life end at the side of the road, not knowing then that she would also witness his life begin. Magpie and Gemma’s meetings become fewer and farther between as the duties of motherhood take priority. 

Magpie’s only other connection occurs years later when she seeks out Farfalla’s daughter, her own Great-Grandmother, Elizabeth. They exchange letters for a few years, though Magpie can never tell if Elizabeth truly believes she is writing to her mother, Farfalla, or if she is simply lonely and enjoying the companionship of a pen pal. One day a package arrives with a beautiful hand-knit green shawl, and Magpie remembers her very first vision, the one where Elizabeth was in a rocking chair knitting this very shawl. It feels otherworldly to be holding it in her hands. Eventually, the letters start to come less regularly, Elizabeth has gotten older and is in poor health, and writing has become tedious for her. One day, the letters stop coming all together, and Magpie once again finds herself alone.

It is around this time that Magpie makes a habit of having breakfast at The Early Bird each day, sticking to her usual order of Blackberry Waffles and Sweet Orange Tea. The routine helps the days go by, at this point she is simply biding her time, and the years blur into one another.

From the very first day, the people of Pocket presume she is Farfalla, returned from overseas where, it turns out, she did not die in a tragic accident. Magpie chooses not to correct them, having no other explanation for her existence in this place and time. It is simpler to step into the role of Farfalla and move forward from there. She remains silent, speaking to no one lest they discover she is not who they think she is. They come to their own conclusions about why she does not speak. The give her plenty of space, still frightened by the mysterious silence at Meadow Lane, and her possible connection to it. There are days when she wants to scream at them at the top of her lungs, “I am not Farfalla!”, but she knows better. Better to keep quiet.

It had only taken a few days after Magpie’s arrival for her to realize the agonizing truth.

The impossible truth.

“It was me. 

It was me all along. 

I WAS FARFALLA.”

Thank you so much for listening.  Join me next week for Wingspan chapter 33, Sparking Silence, where Lucas tries desperately to find a way to put his and Magpie’s timelines back in place.

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 on Spotify or a review on Apple Podcasts, they help give the podcast visibility so others can find and enjoy the story. You can also support my work by subscribing to my Patreon where you get early access to episodes as well as MP3 downloads of the music, artwork, behind the scenes videos and more! Just check the show notes for links to Patreon, my website, and social media accounts.

Before I go, I’d like to share this reel for a podcast I quite enjoy called Mums Mysteries and Murder, whose hosts both live in Scotland and feature one native Scot and an Australian who discuss tales of the unexplained and true crime from their respective countries. If you enjoy the spooky, uncanny feel of The Skylark Bell, you’re sure to enjoy Mums Mysteries and Murder. 

Once again, thank you for listening – I’m Melissa Oliveri, and this is The Skylark Bell Podcast. 

In today’s episode we read Chapter 31 – Dealan-de - in which Lucas has a terrifying encounter with the mysterious woman that has been flitting in and out of his and Magpie’s lives for years

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

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

Melissa on Twitter: @melissaoliveri

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

Cannelle on Instagram: @cannelle.music

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

This week's Boopod Network podcast partner is Generally Spooky: http://www.generallyspooky.com

Another podcast of note, The Grim Cities: https://anchor.fm/thegrimcities

FULL TRANSCRIPT:

Things with Wings Productions presents: Episode 31 of The Skylark Bell, Wingspan. I am your host, Melissa Oliveri.  

In our previous episode, Magpie realises she is the one who saved Lucas from the car crashed that claimed his parents’ lives when he was a child.

In today’s episode we read Chapter 31 – Dealan-de - in which Lucas has a terrifying encounter with the mysterious woman that has been flitting in and out of his and Magpie’s lives for years

Be sure to listen through to the end of the episode for a preview of a paranormal podcast I quite enjoy called Generally Spooky. I’d also like to mention another podcast called The Grim Cities which touches on eerie and inexplicable occurrences in the Twin Cities and beyond. If you enjoy spooky podcasts, it is well worth your time to look them up. Check the show notes for links.

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

Lucas stands in the forest, unsure what to do next. Now that their plan has worked, at least to the point where Magpie was able to travel from present day Scotland, he feels a bit lost. The gnawing thought at the back of his mind that they didn’t really think this through starts taking hold. How would he know if Magpie was successful in preventing him and Cormorant for going for a ride that fateful day? Would he come back to Carnifex House and find her, Manon, Alfred, and Cormorant, all restored to the age they were when he left? Was it still 2049 right now, or had he also somehow slipped back 30 years without realizing it? “There’s only one way to find out,” he says out loud as he starts walking in the general direction of Carnifex House.

It is almost dark by the time Lucas finally walks out from the shadows of the forest and into the field that stretches between the tree line and Carnifex House. He pushes his exhausted body on, hopeful that he will find Magpie, his Magpie, waiting for him when he returns. Lucas’ heart sinks as he gets closer to the house and finds it dark. It is exactly as it was when he and Magpie left this morning. The caretaker’s cottage sits a little further down the field, equally silent and desolate.

Lucas lets himself in the back door, the silence of the house closing in on him. “Magpie, where are you?” he whispers. He wanders into the living room and starts a fire in the fireplace, then makes his way to the kitchen to warm up some soup, even though he isn’t hungry. Finally, he curls up on the sofa with a blanket and falls asleep.

The next morning, Lucas is half expecting Magpie to show up at the front door, or come down from upstairs, or be walking back from the paddock behind the house… but the house sits in the same state as the night before. Lucas decides to pull on his boots and go back to the forest, hoping perhaps Magpie has reappeared there. 

He walks across the field and is about to enter the forest when a small voice pipes up from behind him, “I told you not to go into the forest.” Lucas turns around and sees a small boy with large blue eyes peeking from behind the rock that marks the boundary of Carnifex land. The boy looks vaguely familiar, and it takes Lucas a moment to realize where he’s seen him before, at the beach the day he and Cormorant disappeared! It was only a few years ago for Lucas, but in this boy’s timeline it has been 30 years, he should be an adult by now! Lucas stands there, staring at the boy, who stands there staring back. “Where’s your big, weird horse?” asks the boy after a long stretch of awkward silence.

“He… he didn’t come back, when I came back,” stammers Lucas.

The boy nods like he understands exactly what Lucas means, “That happens sometimes,” he says. “Are you trying to go into the forest to find him?” asks the boy.

Lucas shakes his head. “No, I’m trying to find my… wife,” he says, wincing at the pain the word inflicts on his heart. 

“Oh,” says the boy, “did she go into the forest too?” he asks, his gaze never leaving Lucas’ face. Lucas nods, and looks down at the ground. “I think Dealan’dè tricked her. I think she tricked both of you,” he says.

“What?” asks Lucas, looking back up from the ground, but the boy is gone. Lucas tries to remember the boy’s name. His father had called for him when it was time for them to leave that day on the beach. It was a short name, unusual… Ash! That was it! “Ash? Are you still here?” he says, leaning to look behind the rock, but all he finds is grass and wind. Lucas turns around and walks back toward the house, he can come back to the forest tomorrow, right now he needs some time to think.

The next morning, Lucas decides to head back to the forest. Magpie hasn’t returned and nothing in his current timeline has changed. Something has gone wrong; he can feel it in the core of his being. He grabs a satchel and fills it with food and a bottle of water before slinging it over his shoulder, then slips his feet into his boots and heads out, walking through the field with determination. When he comes to the first line of trees he walks in without hesitation, but after a few more steps he stops to look around. The forest looks different than it did before. He clearly remembers the overgrown path curving the opposite way last time he was here. He stands still, unsure which direction to go. Suddenly, something falls from high above his head and lands at his feet. Lucas looks down and sees an acorn. He stares at it for a moment, almost as if he’s expecting some mythical creature to come crawling out of it, but the little acorn just sits innocently on the ground. Lucas shrugs and takes a few steps. On a whim, he turns around, picks up the acorn, and tucks it into his satchel.

Finding sudden motivation, Lucas makes his way deeper into the forest, in the general direction of the arch, to the best of his knowledge at least. He pushes deeper and deeper in, to the point where his feet start to ache, his legs are getting tired, and his arms sting from being scratched repeatedly by errant branches and twigs. Lucas is about to give in to his aching body and sit on a log for a break when he hears the mesmerizing singing a little further down the path. Picking up the pace, Lucas continues forward, and soon finds himself in the small clearing with the arch. Relief floods through him when he sees a woman standing beneath it with her back to him, her wild red hair flowing down her back.

“Magpie! I knew you’d come back!” he says, breathless, but filled with joy.

The woman turns around. Her lips are pressed together tightly, but in his head, Lucas can hear her voice, “I. Am. Not. Magpie!” Magpie’s name echoing as the woman’s haunting song turns into a shrill, high-pitched sound like a thousand whistling tea kettles. The woman’s face becomes twisted with rage and Lucas steps back, terrified. “Farfalla?” he whispers, confused. The Farfalla he left behind in Pocket was a beautiful, happy young woman. Who is this creature, who seems to be able to send thoughts into his mind? Who can hypnotize anyone she chooses with her song? Who seems to be able to control time and space and distance?

“Dealan-dè,” the name echoes in his head. The druid that everyone in Pòcaid has feared for hundreds of years, the one who is responsible for The Vanishings. “Dealan-dè tricked her, she tricked you both…” the boy, Ash, had said.

Lucas sees a flash of silver as the woman takes an object out from the folds of her robes. She holds it high above her head and smashes it to the ground. A blinding flash of light causes Lucas to shield his eyes as his surroundings fade away. He stays crouched low to the ground, shaking. He has no notion of how much time has gone by when the sound of trotting hooves finally makes him look up. He is still outside, leaning against the side of a wooden building, his feet firmly placed on a dirt road. Lucas stands up and walks around the building to see if there is a sign on it that might help him figure out where he is. His heart stops when he sees “Bunting’s General Store – Now Open!”. He is in Pocket, that much he knows. He walks up the steps and enters the store.

“May I be of assistance?” asks a man from behind the counter. Lucas is disoriented, the inside of the store looks completely foreign to him. He turns to the man and notes how dressed up he is, with pleated pants, a shirt and a vest. On his face is a large mustache that curls at either end, like something out of a turn-of-the-century photograph.

“I was hoping to find a newspaper,” stammers Lucas, feeling grossly out of place.

“Right over there, son,” says the man, pointing to a small stack of papers behind Lucas.

Lucas thanks him, walks over to the table and picks up a paper. He feels a mounting sense of panic when he sees the date, Monday, July 8th, 1895.

Lucas rushes out of the store and starts running toward Meadow Lane, he needs to get back to the oak tree, to try and make it back to his own timeline, or Magpie’s timeline, any timeline but this one!

The dust from the road settles down in a cloud around him as he stands by the road at the bottom of Meadow Lane. The house is under construction, he can see a group of men sawing boards and hoisting them up to create the beams for the ceiling. 

Lucas’ heart sinks as he realizes the vast field in front of the house is bare, the oak tree has not even started to grow.

He is trapped. 

Thank you so much for listening.  Join me next week for Wingspan chapter 32, Today’s Special, in which Magpie once again finds herself in the town of Pocket, where she comes to a startling, and devastating realisation.

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 on Spotify or a review on Apple Podcasts, they help give the podcast visibility so others can find and enjoy the story. You can also support my work by subscribing to my Patreon where you get early access to episodes as well as MP3 downloads of the music, artwork, behind the scenes videos and more! Just check the show notes for links to Patreon, my website, and social media accounts.

Before I go, I’d like to share this reel for a podcast I quite enjoy called Generally Spooky. Listen to tales from Scotland’s history, legends, and stories. If you’re enjoying the supernatural side of The Skylark Bell, and share a love of Scotland with our characters, be sure to listen to General Spooky. 

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