Chapter 1 part 1

Chapter 1

Mid morning came too quickly for eighteen year old Esthony Wright. Her mother scurried around the kitchen to find her large key chain. Esthony devoured three bowls of cereal.

“You know, you’re supposed to have it before you leave for camp,” Anne nagged. Esthony tightened her grip on the plastic spoon.

“I know,” she moaned through half eaten Captain Crunch, tilting her head toward the bowl.

Today she would leave for camp. She’d put off searching for the channel long enough. The few unsuccessful attempts had weakened Esthony’s resolve. She breathed a sigh of frustration.

Anne shouted from the hallway. “We have to be leave by six, honey!”

Esthony took a sharp breath.

“Have you looked outside?” Anne questioned.

“No…” Esthony moaned, opening the screen door.

The porch was small, full of floral decor. In the center of the porch stood a circular, chocolate table encompassed with four wooden chairs. A heavy, red umbrella rose from the center.

She etched toward it, hopes held high, praying that possibly... maybe…. Her fingertip grazed the edge lightly. She held her breath no more. Her heart sank.

The channel would remain open only another hour and a half, for a human hopeful from the Ithika bloodline to penetrate their chosen channel. New campers knew nothing of what or where their channels were. It took even longer for them to arrive on time.

Her eyes grazed the yard frantic and desperate. It was early June. The grass was bright green and long. Since her father had died… the grass was always long.

All channels after her great grandfather’s time were manufactured rather than natural objects. A hat or remote control was most common, something near and dear to one’s heart. Esthony, having a special liking to trees and flowers, strolled the yard.

Her eyes wondered to her favorite spot. The oak tree was so massive. It blocked the California sunlight almost completely. In the past, her mother wanted to cut the tree down, but Esthony never allowed it. This tree was all she had left of her father.

The trunk was very dark, almost chocolate. The rich, green leaves draped the tree’s body and filled its inside. The sun seeped through its branches and leaves to highlight the blanket of acorns covering the soil.

She stood; silently, facing the large, oval shaped spot where her favorite large branch used to be. The day before he died, the branch broke under her father as he climbed down.
She remembered his joke, “I guess I’m not the eighteen year old warrior I used to be.” She didn’t understand what that meant, but she remembered feeling happy.

When he cut her favorite climbing branch from the tree, little Esthony had watched silently from the window with intense grief. But like the tree, a greater loss cut away at her more deeply than any branch could. Her heart sank as tears filled her mahogany eyes. She missed him so much.

Her finger stretched out to stroke the soft texture. Many years of weather and time reflected on that oval nub.

Esthony flinched at a sudden leap in her stomach. She paused. Could this be the channel? Her mahogany eyes fixed on the oval pattern. Suddenly, it bulged off the smooth surface into a bubble. She jumped back, startled.

When her heavy breathing steadied, she repositioned herself. Her eyes narrowing in on the oval bubble as it grew. Wider and wider it expanded. Her finger caressed the bubble. Then half her arm was immersed.

Taken back with surprise, she squealed.

The wooden oval continued to grow rapidly. Within seconds Esthony’s entire body was engulfed inside. Wailing her arms all about, she desperately searched for anything to grasp.

Her eyes shut tight; she felt her body eject and land on a soft pillow of grass. A sweet smell of pollen filled her senses. Her yard appeared more like a magical garden with dense wooden oak trees and deep turquoise grass.

A shiny gold sparkle hit her peripheral vision. She veered left to find an enormous golden gate with an emblem reading “EW” in the upper center of the converging gold hinges. It sparkled vividly. Her eyes flinched at the sight. Surrounding the gate were dozens of bushes, trees, and flowers.

Just to the right stood a small oak desk, much smaller than any desk Esthony was accustomed to. And past the gate wound a dirt path up a hill to a dark forest.
“Where am I”, she gasped to herself. Blanketing the air were dozens of butterflies. Her arm extended slowly in front of her. It stretched out in front of her nose, her focus narrowing on a particularly large butterfly. Her hand etched toward its destination drawing closer and closer. Then suddenly a bend of air pushed the butterfly away.
Right before her appeared a tiny old lady! Withdrawing her hand, a high pitch squeak escaped Esthony’s throat. A sudden cool breeze sent wisps of white curls on the old lady’s head bouncing back and forth.
Standing just four feet from the ground, the tiny woman brushed past Esthony toward the oddly placed oak desk near the gate. Her eyes hid behind very thick, round glasses. The lady spoke in a shaky, high voice while climbing the wooden stool behind the random oak desk. “Are you here for camp dear?”
“Camp?!” Esthony choked, glancing into the lady’s tiny coal black eyes. Her pale, translucent body hunched awkwardly. A small hump rested atop her shoulders. And a large, pink feather pin shook uncontrollably in her bony left hand.
Her cloggy shoes were brown and buckled, two twiggy legs attached. Forest green stockings hung off her bony legs, clashing drastically with her loose floral patterned skirt and thick wool sweater. She jotted strange handwriting on an ancient scroll.
After a brief study of the strange creature, Esthony’s creamy, soft hands covered each side of her flushed cheeks.
“Mom!” she gasped. “I need to tell her I made it … she’ll be so upset.”
Esthony twirled around franticly at the unfamiliar surroundings, hoping to see her mother, her house, something from the yard she was in only moments ago. The tiny, round face of the lady shrunk noticeably.
The lady’s lips pruned, her black eyes glimmered. “What is her name dear?”
Esthony paced frantically, “Anne, Anne Wright. Oh, I have to go back! I have to tell her! She’ll be upset when she can’t find me at home.”
The old lady’s voice softened. “Don’t worry dear, she’s already here,” the lady half hazily assured. “Go through the golden gates and you’ll find her dear…” The lady lingered mid thought. “Before I let you in, dear, I must know your name, dear.”
Esthony bit back a tiny scream of frustration. “My name is Esthony Wright.”
Her tiny, wrinkled face stretched to a funny little smile. With a slight nod, the golden gate creaked opened. Esthony could now see the long dirt pathway into a dark wooded area more clearly. Esthony hesitated.
“You’ll be alright, dear. Follow the dirt path and you’ll find her, dear…” The lady’s eyes fogged. “I remember when I was your age, when we were in these woods, and Gretta would not stop chatting about the most obscure of things… Oh if only she was here, I do wonder if she forgot to bring that spell book to my cottage. Oh I should summon her…”
The old lady’s rambling faded to the background. Esthony reluctantly followed the dirt path into the shadowy forest. Fear of darkness overwhelmed her senses. Goose bumps blanked her arm. An array of tiny glass balls flickered beneath her one by one, revealing a long trail of light down the thin, dirt path.
The trees were like nothing she had seen on Earth. The trunks were wider than her house, the branches reaching far above her into shimmering stars of the night’s sky. Green, luscious leaves encompassed the soft ground. White flowers from the thick soil illuminated, guiding her.
Hovering in the night sky were hundreds of fireflies. Large, yellow bulbs of the bugs appeared three times brighter and rounder than the ones in her world. Gradually, the largest of the fireflies fluttered toward her. Spreading its luminous light, the delicate features of her face brightened. The insect flew closer as if it were introducing itself.
She invitingly turned her palm upward, but the little creature danced away. A moment later, small rays of light appeared in the distance. Advancing her eyes forward on the light, it grew wider and more detailed. A wall of rippling, reflective energy appeared. She paced toward it.
Arriving at the end of the path, she stood for a moment awestruck with the wall’s beauty. The bluish light of the wall lit brightly around her. Instinctively, her palm grazed the edge of the wall. Electric current soared into her bones.

Suddenly, a large rumbling noise crescendoed forth. A white sliver of light appeared in the translucent bubble. The sliver grew wider, spreading light onto her curvy frame. Drawn to its incredible luminosity, her leg stepped forward. Her foot lunged into the rippling wall of matter. Her hands drew in. Shielding her eyes, she bravely stepped into the light.
“Oh honey, are you alright?”
Esthony screamed through her squinty face, “Mom!” Her eyes were still tightly shut from the light of the wall. Her hands stretched stiffly forward for something to grasp.
Anne flushed with embarrassment. She glanced around unsure of what to do. But Anne decided to push her daughter’s arms toward her body.
Laughing, Anne continued, “We’ve been standing here for a while, what took you so long?”
Esthony’s eyes suddenly opened, “We?”
She found her obscurely stunning mother decked out in an elaborate robe of white silk. The center of her forehead held a tiny, triangular gem. A long, flowing veil with soft, lace trim rested atop her head. Her skin appeared luminous and smooth, as if ten years had been peeled away in a day’s time. Her eyes sparkled with life. She beamed a large and proud smile.
Still in awe of her mother’s illuminated beauty, Esthony forced a little muster of verbiage. “How did you know I’d left?”
Anne’s arms folded together. “Honey, I’m telepathic and telekinetic… I know EVERTHING you do.”
Esthony’s face paled at the sudden reality. “Everything…like whenever I ...”
Quickly cutting her off, Anne continued, “Esthony, I have some people I would very much like you to meet if you can walk up here for a minute.”
Esthony approached the first of the three shyly.
He was a very short, stocky creature. The shrunken old lady she met outside the gates now seemed tall compared to the creature before her. His clothes were simple and woven. His hugging shoes were a deep brown. Small, thick, square shaped glasses rested atop his round, slightly plump nose. He was an oddly handsome little gnome.
She meekly glanced into his gray eyes. His slightly cracked lip slid upward to reveal perfect, white teeth.
“Hello, my name is Gregory. I specialize in woodworking.”
His eyes deepened while he eyed Esthony a little more.
“It is very nice to meet you young Esthony Wright.” His gaze broke off to her mother’s while he continued. “I knew your father very well my dear. I’m glad to see you look nothing like him.” He let out a soft chuckle when his gaze met Anne’s.
Anne’s glared at Gregory in shock. The handsome little gnome grabbed Anne’s hand to lower it for a kiss. Unexpectedly, Esthony belted a large laugh at Gregory’s romantic attempts.
“You’ll have to excuse Gregory my dear,” Anne exclaimed softly. “You have to know how flirtatious forest gnomes can be around new people, especially pretty human girls.” Esthony winced at Gregory’s beaming smile of confidence.
A graceful, petite woman danced in front of Gregory, cutting him off abruptly. Her short, fiery red hair spiked out from every angle and framed her soft, porcelain face. Her features were dainty, but strong and mature. She appeared to be no more than 30 years of age, but moved like a graceful child. A smile beamed from ear to ear to reveal tiny teeth and rosy cheeks. Her emerald green eyes sparkled vivaciously.
An elaborately sown translucent dress, draped with diamond like material, covered her petite frame. A shimmery glow of gold sparkle bounced off her ivory skin.
Her ballerina shoed feet parted separately from one side to the other as she effortlessly danced forward. Esthony had never laid eyes on anything more angelic.
A low and irritable growl thundered behind her and a very upset gnome stomped off toward camp.
“It is so nice to meet you my dear. My name is Olivia. I must apologize for this awful gnome’s behavior.” A slight grin appeared on her perfect face.
Her eyes rolled as she gestured to the sight of Gregory trying yet again to kiss another helpless human girl’s hand.
“Filthy little womanizing gnome mongrels,” her wings flew open and fluttered. The pretty little pixie glared back at Gregory.
“Anne, I’ll see you at council my darling,” and with a gracious bow, she flew away.
“Pixies and Gnome’s don’t always get along,” Anne stated dryly.
Esthony nodded blankly, but turned to her mother in confusion when she heard something. Panting?
She looked down toward her feet. A tiny pair of puppy eyes glimmered at Esthony. Its small, fluffy, white body jumped with excitement.
Anne’s face lit up with anticipation, “Oh look
Mom, a cute little puppy!” She hunched down to stroke its soft teddy bear face.
The puppy’s once pleasant demeanor suddenly changed from pleasant to furious. As it glared up and snarled. Esthony jumped back, startled.
“Anne, he is a teacher of Forest Talents. He’s actually not a puppy but a…”
A booming voice escaped the small, cute little white creature. “I am your worst nightmare kid. Now get to camp!”
Before she could help it, Esthony’s mouth dropped open. The small, fluffy puppy spun around and trudged away. Standing silently and brightly red faced, Esthony clinched her fists. “Not a puppy, Mom?”
Her voice crackled with humiliation. She stomped away angrily. Anne’s face lit up joyfully. A low chuckle escaped her throat.
“Est, I’m sorry…. I forgot to tell you! Come back!”
Luscious blue-green grass covered the landscape. Several brown, clay and wood cabins towered high above the ground, forming a circle around a large glittering fountain.
The fountain of Anastela, the ancient siren of the woods and Queen of Ithika, held a large tree branch in one hand and a vile of blood in another. Wet mist blanketed the air around her, creating a rainbow of glittering colors. She was stunning, with long, wavy hair and goddess-like features.
Esthony glanced at her great grandmother with immense pride. She couldn’t help but notice the physical resemblance between the statue and herself.
Esthony continued down the soft grass circle to where most of the girls were walking about and chattering. She quickly approached, entering the girl’s cabin, with a hint of shyness in her step.
The cabin’s rustic, chic exterior greatly contradicted the lavish interior of the cottage. The ceiling yielded a large candle chandelier in the entryway. Soft plush chairs woven from silk and ivy accentuated the room accompanying large, solid wood tables. A stone fireplace blazed in the far left side of the room and reflected pale light across an enormous elfin rug.
“Move it!”
Suddenly, Esthony’s right shoulder swung unnaturally outward from a hard hit. It throbbed with pain as a tall, skinny redheaded girl trudged passed her.
Ignoring her, Esthony, continued down the hallway past all the rooms where the girls were chattering and laughing excitedly. Each room appeared to be full. She worried she’d be alone. Esthony approached the last and quietest room on the left and peered through.
Initially, it appeared very dark and empty. She glanced around the lavish room, noticing a tiny blonde girl sitting on a silk bed. “Oh hello!” she exclaimed, jumping off the bed and dancing toward her. “I am so glad to learn I won’t be bunking by myself this summer.”
The pixie shook Esthony’s hand with great enthusiasm while she continued, “Girls don’t like to bunk with me because I am not human. I’m a pixie.”
Esthony’s eyes lit up. The pixie’s wings expanded outward and fluttered. “My name is Laza. My mother is one of the camp councilors here. I’m sure you’ll meet her soon. Her name is…”
Esthony completed the sentence. “Olivia.” Laza looked just like her aside from the color of her hair and eyes.
“Oh I see you’ve already met her,” the pixie chimed while prancing to her luxurious bed. “Mom teaches at camp Elkwood every year, so I’ve been coming to camp for what feels like an eternity.”
Warmed by the pixie’s niceness, Esthony walked to the bed nearest, sitting down hesitantly. “What is your name?”
Esthony smiled back shyly, her hands caressed the soft silky white comforter. Her eyes gazed around the luxurious white and green room. “My name is Esthony.”
The Pixie winked, “Oh, don’t worry about that; the drawers are full of clothes the council picked out for you to wear,” Laza exclaimed excitedly. “They base the clothes off of your power or spirit talent as they call it.”
Esthony gasped fully stunned, “How did you know I was thinking about clothing?” She paused, thinking, and then continued, “You can read minds, can’t you!” Esthony exclaimed.
A sly grin crept on Laza’s face.
“My mother can sort of read minds, but she is more telekinetic. Can you read my thoughts right now?”
Laza’s eyes grew wider, “You don’t mind?”
Esthony shrugged, “Mind what?” The pixie’s eyes sparkled with surprise, “You don’t care that I can read minds?” A faint silence grew in the room.
“Why would I?” Esthony asked blankly. Strange mind powers were second nature in her family. Esthony’s eyebrows scrunched with curiosity. She wondered why the poor girl was so paranoid about her power.
“Well, it’s just that the other girls hate the fact that I can read minds… it’s why I’m in this room alone, well, aside from being a pixie,” Laza concluded.
Esthony tensed, “Why do they not like pixies?
The air in the room grew heavy while the beautiful pixie spoke. “Most of their parents do not like human daughters and sons spending time with pixies for too long. They fear we might entrance them or something horrible.”
Esthony’s body drew closer to Laza’s. “Why would pixies do that?”
A series of high pitch chuckles erupted from Laza’s throat. She toppled backward on her silky green comforter.
“You mean, you don’t know?” she squealed. “You surprise me Esthony. Your mother must have not told you anything about Ithika.”
Esthony’s cheeks flushed with embarrassment. She whispered insecurely, “Yeah you could say that.”
The pixie fluttered quickly off the bed to rest beside Esthony. “Pixies and humans have a very complex history together. It ended badly about a hundred years ago right here in this very forest.”
Esthony sensed Laza was not telling her everything by the pixie’s sad tone. But she didn’t want to ask her new roommate more about Ithika’s past.
Laza continued without prompting, “The great Siren Annastella… you know Queen Annastella of Ithika, right?”
Esthony’s eyes rolled, “Yes, I’m familiar.”
“Well,” she continued. “Annastella was the great forest siren of the woods and a loyal, friend of the forest pixies before...”
Laza paused. Esthony wondered if she almost said more than she wanted. “Legend is the forest pixies betrayed her trust and friendship by turning her over against her will to the King of men.”
“My great great grandfather,” Esthony whispered, her head hitting the lavish, silk pillow.
“You’re a descendent? Laza gasped with wide and delighted eyes. “I cannot believe I am sharing a room with the descendent of Ethius, the great King of Men!” She screamed. “Do you realize what significance this holds?”
A shy smile lifted off Esthony’s face while she laughed, “Actually, no, I have no idea.”
“Oh my gnome! You can’t imagine the prospects!!” She fluttered in the air toward Esthony. “You’re supposed to fulfill the…”
A large bell echoed through the walls. Laza redirected her attention. “We have to go!” she chirped, grabbing Esthony’s hand and nearly lifting her off the ground. “It’s time for the camp meeting!”
It was very dark when Esthony and Laza reached the camp ravine. Large fireflies lit the area along with massive torches and lanterns. The light reflected on dim unknown faces of teens and adults. She and Laza steadily trotted down the stone steps to an ancient stone theatre. They found an un-occupied spot next to a group of four campers and sat quietly as the session began.
On the stage were some of the same councilors she had met upon her arrival. In the back of the group stood a noticeably tall, rugged man with chiseled, mature features and shaggy, sandy blonde hair.
His facial hair lay thick and stubbly on his square jaw. His sandy hair piled messily atop his head. Esthony laughed silently at his unkept appearance, but she silenced when something about his eyes allured her. They were bright greenish yellow, an odd color for a human. They seemed to reflect slightly under the light almost like an animal. Large torches burned around the ancient stage before them.
Almost intuitively, the stranger’s eyes caught Esthony’s. She quickly looked away. Then a tall, lanky man with long black hair walked to the center of the stage.
A smile from the man revealed bright white teeth. His facial features were refined. “Greetings! My name’s Landon for those who are new this summer. I’m the director of Camp Elkwood.”
Laza leaned over toward Esthony. “He’s never been the director before,” she whispered as Landon spoke to the crowd.
Esthony indiscreetly leaned to the side of Laza, “What do you mean?”
Laza continued, “Well last year he was just a councilor and someone named Izekial was our Director.”
Esthony paused, “So, do they change every year?”
Landon’s voice interrupted her train of thought. It grew louder almost in response to Laza’s loud whispers.
He continued, “I hope you all had a great time at home, but this summer we have many things planned to assure we bring more understanding about your powers. As you know, boys are not allowed in girl cabins and girls aren’t allowed inside the boys.”
A loud boo erupted from the young campers. Esthony glanced over to find a dark and very handsome young man staring at her. His eyes were a deep ebony color. His facial features were strikingly handsome.
Leaning to Laza again, she whispered curiously, “Who is that guy?”
Laza peered over at the mysterious figure, “I can’t believe you caught his eye. No girl can ever get his attention.”
Esthony was dumbfounded. Why would he look at her? There were plenty of other girls at this camp. And to her, she looked no different than any of them.
Laza continued excitedly, “That’s Joel, he’s only the most popular guy at camp. As far as I know he hasn’t discovered his power yet. But his parents are confident he has one, so he’s been going here for a while now.”
Esthony felt pity toward him. Being powerless seemed to be a characteristic of her as well. Ashamed to tell Laza, she also was one of the few who hadn’t yet found her power. And to top it all off, her mother barely discussed it with her.
Landon’s voice rose intensely. He glared at Laza and Esthony.
“Curfew is at midnight and breakfast begins every morning at eight o’clock. All campers are forbidden from leaving Elkwood unless permitted by a camp counselor.”
He continued, speaking slow yet concise. “For those who are not familiar with the geography, the outside of these perimeters lie another forest area called Spirdth. You might have experienced a sudden change from night to day as you entered the wall to Elkwood Forest from Spirdth.”
Some of the campers turned to each other, laughed and nodded
Landon smiled with them while he spoke, “You were correct in your assessment. Spirdth forest is continually without light. So when you enter Elkwood by day, you will experience a sudden change. Some counselors advise you wear protective sunglasses as you enter for these reasons.”
Esthony sighed with frustration. She recalled her embarrassment when entering Elkwood yesterday evening with her eyes shut tightly. “I bet they got a good laugh out of that one,” she thought.
Landon clasped his hands together while he spoke, “New campers, Elkwood Camp and Elkwood Forest are surrounded by a large protective wall. This is for your own safety. Only camp counselors can enter and exit freely. Without a counselor’s granted access you cannot exit the camp.”
The campers booed half heartedly. Landon’s voice rose over the noise, “For any reason you need to exit camp Elkwood, the only safely lit area of Spirdth Forest lies before Elkwood’s gates on a long, dirt path.”
Esthony swore her brain was about to explode from too much information. She glanced around feeling completely overwhelmed. She began to fidget in her seat awkwardly.
Landon spoke on, “After reaching the gate, please use your channel to exit Ithika safely. All campers are free to explore Elkwood Forest. But do not touch the protective wall. It will shock you with electric energy should your hand even graze its surface uninvited.”
The campers grew anxious, stirring with silent whispers and giggles.
Maintaining his composure, Landon continued with his speech. “Be sure to meet here tomorrow morning for your camp councilor assignments. Everyone is free to get back to your cabins and commune. Thank you.”
A large applause erupted from the crowd. Esthony assumed from the reaction of the crowd that Landon had finally finished.
The campers exited the theatre slowly while the group of counselors talked quietly amongst themselves on the stage.
Esthony turned to leave when a small tap on the shoulder caused her head to turn. “Hi, my name is Joel. What’s your name, princess?” he asked wryly.
Esthony flinched with surprise. No one besides her father called her princess. “Oh umm… This is my first summer here, so I’m kind of bad at introductions,” she laughed awkwardly.
“What’s your power?” he asked.
“Oh, I don’t even know if I have one,” Esthony lowered her head with embarrassment.
He smiled, “You mean a boyfriend right?” Landon purred jokingly.
“You don’t have a boyfriend… I hope?”
Blood rushed to her cheeks. She smiled meekly. She didn’t know how to react to that statement so she nodded her head back and forth. “I don’t know if I have a spirit power at all. My mom doesn’t like to talk about it with me.”
Joel’s muscular arm grazed hers. Campers ran past giggling.
“Are you this charming with all the new girls here?” she asked.
A small and awkward laugh escaped his chest. “No actually, I don’t do this at all.” He whispered sarcastically as he leaned in. “Talk to girls I don’t know I mean,” his voice faded, embarrassed. He glanced shyly down at the ground.
Esthony blushed again. Every girl at camp stared jealously at her.
“So, I’m thinking… since you are new and obviously clueless…”
Esthony grinned, “Thanks a lot.” She laughed.
Joel eagerly laughed with her, “You might need my help tomorrow with breakfast.”
“Breakfast?”
She frowned. Esthony thought about the outcome of having a hot guy watch her eat and cringed.
“Of course,” she breathed nervously, “how could I possibly eat without your ominous guidance over my cereal choice?” she joked.
Joel choked as a deep chuckle rose from his throat. “Cereal… Yeah right, this camp does’nt do anything remotely normal.”
Esthony shook her head sideways and sighed. “Yeah, I kind of noticed that.”
It was true; camp Elkwood was anything but camp-like. In fact, it was more luxurious than any of the fancy hotels she’d experienced on Earth.
“So, I hope to see you in the morning Miss,” he grazed his hand along her arm alluringly. His head tilted down toward her hand. Warm breath spilled onto her skin. He kissed her hand softly. The touch of his jaw on her hand tickled. Her heart palpitated. Waves of heat shot through her chest and stomach like a lightning bolt of energy.
“Esthony Wright,” she breathed.
Joel lingered about her hand slyly. “Till morning comes my princess.” He smiled lastingly at her then turned away and strutted toward the boy’s cabin.
Suddenly, Laza flew upon Esthony so fast she nearly jumped from her skin. Laza searched Esthony’s expression curiously. “What happened back there between you two has made every girl witch in this camp want to turn you into a frog.”
Esthony scratched her neck nervously, “Well, we just talked a little… No big deal. He wanted to meet me in the morning for breakfast.”
Laza’s face lit up with excitement.
After a short pause, Esthony politely added, “You can sit with us of course.”
A loud squeal erupted from Laza’s throat. Then she glanced toward Esthony’s closet. “Well!” she breathed. “You have to wear something fabulous!” Laza scanned Esthony’s closet eagerly. Let’s see what you have in here!” She jumped atop Esthony’s head and opened the doors excitedly.
The mahogany doors of the closet flew open to reveal the most beautiful dresses Esthony had ever seen.
Beautiful chiffon made for a goddess draped to the floor. Finely woven shades of lime green, bright red and yellow dresses covered Esthony’s silk bed. With an empire waist, the plunging neck line met one single glimmering, gold leaf broach in the upper center of her torso.
The dresses cascaded past the floor. A vast array of gold and silver sandals lined the closet floor. Esthony had never seen anything like it. A girly shriek leapt from Laza’s throat.
“Esthony, these are so beautiful!” she acclaimed.
Esthony smiled and gazed back at the beautiful pixie. Laza was the prettiest girl she’d ever met.
Her hair was short blonde. Her outfit was chiffon blue with glitter and flowers elaborately woven all over. Her lips were hot peach against soft, luminous features. Laza’s deep, sea green eyes popped off her creamy milk white skin. Esthony found it difficult to determine which of pixie was the most beautiful, Laza’s mother or Laza
“You have to try this one on!” Laza held out a bright, volcano red goddess dress to Esthony. It was perfect for her curvy figure. But the plunging neck line…
“Oh come on, try it on?” Laza begged once more. Esthony hesitated and grabbed the thick wooden hanger. At first, she couldn’t figure out how to get the dress on. Almost like clockwork, Laza read her thoughts. The pixie flicked her wrist quickly. And a tiny gold wand exploded from her hand.
“Don’t worry girl, I’ll take care of you.” She laughed.
Before Esthony could reply, the dress was on her sensual figure. Esthony turned toward Laza reluctantly. A loud gasp of air filled Laza’s throat. Her eyes lit up with a smile. “You look amazing!”
Esthony stared at Laza shyly and walked to the center of the room to a crystal vanity. She was right. Esthony glanced over her richly decorated body and admired the classic look and sumptuous appearance of the dress. A thought escaped her mind and was quickly seized by Laza.
“Oh the other girls don’t have dresses like this, trust me.” Laza assured
Esthony continued her thought out loud, “So what do the other girls wear?”

Prologue

Prologue

Anne Wright woke from bed the morning of her daughter’s departure to Elk Wood Camp dripping with sweat. Her eyes watered.

Years earlier, her daughter, Esthony Wright had frantically searched for her mother’s comforting touch. She’d fallen from her favorite oak tree outside. With dirty and bloody kneecaps, little Esthony had burst open the door to Anne’s art studio. Her small eyes focused on a dozen levitating paint brushes.

Detecting Esthony’s presence, Anne’s brown eyes filled with tears. Her daughter had discovered the truth of her powers. Steadily, she placed her hands on her daughter’s head. Out of her hand surged intricately woven visions of Ithika’s past.

Esthony’s little eyes lit with naïve excitement at the idea of traveling to a world called Ithika for summer camp. It was like something from one of her favorite books, “Lion the Witch and the Wardrobe.” Except this was real life! She spun around toward the hallway to her father’s den. She couldn’t wait to tell him the good news.

After Esthony had left, Anne had knelt to the carpet. Her eyes grew gray and somber. She remembered the prophecy her family fought so very hard and long to forget.

“A descendent of King Ethius’s bloodline both human and Ithadonian would rise from the dark woods to bring restoration to Ithika and break the dark coven’s hold.”

Her eyes fogged with pain. The prophecy did not end there.

“A period of darkness must rise from her soul before the dark coven can be broken.”

Tears had welt up in her eyes. She alone knew Esthony’s powers were immense and the prophecy could be about her.

She had known the council would sense Esthony’s power. They’d summon her and her daughter to come back to Ithika. Her head slumped in pain. She couldn’t escape Ithika’s hold on her little girl. Her daughter would have to leave for camp Elkwood someday.

“Dark Queen, please choose another.” She had prayed long ago.

Today Anne Wright woke from bed the morning of her daughter’s departure to Elk Wood Camp. A loud gasp escaped her red lips. Her little girl was all grown up. That day long ago had past. Today Esthony would step out of this world into Ithika. Nothing would ever be the same again.

Ithika Book Cover and Synopsis

When a series of gruesome attacks occur on camp grounds, Esthony is forced to discover more than she bargained for. Not only does a dark prophecy loom over her head, but Esthony must find the perpetrator before it is too late.

As Ithika's very existence is threatened, will Esthony discover the attacker before time runs out? Or will she surrender to the darkness living inside her?

Join her in this magical world at Elkwood summer camp for gifted teens and experience the world of Ithika.