Spin to sleep, p.1
Spin to Sleep, page 1
Spin to Sleep
Maria Vermisoglou
Spin to Sleep © 2023 Maria Vermisoglou
All right reserved.
No part of this book may be reproduced in any form, stored in any retrieval system, or transmitted in any form by any means—electronic, mechanical, photocopy, recording or otherwise—without prior written permission of the author, except in case of brief quotations embodied in critical reviews and certain other non-commercial uses permitted by copyright law.
This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, and incidents either are the products of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, businesses, companies, events, or locales is entirely coincidental.
Editor: Sara Miller
Cover: Fantasia Cover Designs
Contents
Characters & Locations
1. Chapter One: A Gift for the Lady
2. Chapter Two: The Spin of Fate
3. Chapter Three: The Fox
4. Chapter Four: Icy Sleep
5. Chapter Five: Crossroads
6. Chapter Six: Golden Leaves
7. Chapter Seven: Sleeping Beauty
8. Chapter Eight: The Non-Witch
9. Chapter Nine: My Lady
Crystal's Magical Tale
About the Author
Also By
Characters & Locations
Aisla: Ivy’s friend
Aldo: Antiquer
Cody: Jackson’s brother, Ivy’s friend
Echo: witch, has the ability to hear the echoes of things
Fox: Conjurer
Isabel: Ice sculptor, Olivia’s friend
Ivy: Echo’s apprentice
Jackson: Cody’s brother, Ivy’s friend
Kino: Mr. Telor’s wife
Olivia: Ice sculptor, Isabel’s friend
Mr. Telor: Kino’s husband
Sunhelm: Town’s name before the curse
Chillbury: Town’s name after the curse
Goldenleaf: Village near Chillbury
Chapter One: A Gift for the Lady
The town of Sunhelm was a bustling hive of activity in the morning. People stopped for a chat, the excitement prominent in every face in anticipation of the upcoming celebrations for the Snow Sculpture festival.
Despite the light snow falling on the roofs, the sun was bright in all its glory. Children laughed as they played snow wars and shopkeepers left the warmth of their shops to gaze at the sculptures of the contestants.
Only one resident wasn’t joining the joyous atmosphere but rushed in the streets. Mr. Telor, one of the judges of the Snow Festival, broke his normal habit of sharing words of encouragement with the artists behind the sculptures. He avoided contact with the other residents to the point of being rude and ran like his life depended on reaching his destination.
“What’s gotten into him, Olivia?” Isabel called from her booth. She curled her lips when a ray of sun sneaked up on her. Isabel brought the sculpture of the carousel she was making under the shadow where snow fell on her bright pink tent.
“I don’t know, Isa. Last minute errands maybe?” Olivia shrugged and blew on the icy roses she had on her table. “Must be his wife that has him running around crazy on such a pretty day.”
“Mark my words, Olivia. That ‘oman is bad news. She brought the darkness to our town.” Isabel’s accent thickened, and she cast her gaze over towards the mountains where Telor lived with Kino, far away from all the other houses that popped around the town.
Meanwhile, a few streets up, Aldo sighed for the fifth time this morning, strongly debating closing his shop for the day. The Snow Festival was his favorite time of year. Every evening, after closing the shop, he meandered around the booths, stealing looks at the sculptures in progress. It was his dream to one day have a place among them, however, he was stuck with the shop his father left him which was going through a bit of a rough patch.
Aldo paced around the shelves of ceramic vases, the paintings of questionable origin and the old toys stacked in a corner. He had promised his father to take care of his beloved shop but Aldo didn’t enjoy being here. He loved bringing joy to people, but felt trapped in the shop that was a prison with the piles of objects that spoke of broken dreams and abandonment.
“I can stop at noon.” Aldo walked to the counter and his shoulders sank even further at the two coins sitting at the register. “A sale may draw people to the shop.” His gaze fell on the faded clock under the strings of colorful lamps his father had brought from his trip to Arabia. “Is that thing broken? It wouldn’t be surprising since everything in here is ancient.” He laughed at his own joke and his face brightened when a sparrow flew by his window, filling the room with its newfound melodies. “Oh, how I wish to be free like you, my friend. I'm tethered here because of my promise. All I want is to create those amazing sculptures. Have you seen them? I’m sure you have.”
Aldo would have gone on and on about the stunning sculptures that were imprinted in his memory if not for the drumming sound that interrupted him. He laughed and tapped his belly.
“It’s time for Madame Laurier’s mushroom pie.” His mouth watered in anticipation of the delicacy.
It was a quick trip since Madame Laurier’s shop was across the street but he couldn’t pass up the opportunity to sneak a peek over the windows that provided a direct view on the sculptures’ booths. On top of that, Aldo enjoyed the mushroom pie a little too much but no matter how much he tried, he couldn’t get it quite right when trying to produce it on his own.
Aldo went to grab his coat when the bell announcing a customer’s arrival chimed. He turned, forcing a smile to his face.
His eyebrows shot up. “Mr. Telor.” Aldo, frozen in place, studied the man while the stories of the town surrounding his persona, overloaded his brain.
Mr. Telor didn’t hear Aldo’s words and walked decisively to the rows of lamps, candelabra, copperware, his eyes scanning the store as he snapped his head left and right.
Aldo cleared his throat and approached the bewildered Mr. Telor who didn’t appear to pay attention where he was stepping. “Sir, may I help you with something?”
Mr. Telor advanced until he found his way blocked by Aldo’s plump frame. His gaze settled on the man's full cheekbones, the bushy eyebrows and blinked. “Oh, I’m sorry. I was so occupied that I didn’t realize. I’m sorry.” Mr. Telor stuttered, patting his perfect hairline.
Aldo nodded, giving his professional smile, not letting him see the question marks that materialized inside him.
Mr. Telor aside from being a jury had a reputation for his expensive taste in modern furniture therefore stepping in an antique shop was unusual.
“May I help you with something?” Aldo repeated the question. “I’m afraid we don’t have many new things besides the lamps.”
“Yes, yes, I am looking for something old and can’t find it!” Mr. Telor raised his tone and looked in regret at the innocent candelabras on the large table as if they would suddenly transform into his desired item. He passed his pristine hand over his tired face and swallowed. “I am looking for a spinning wheel.”
At that, Aldo couldn’t keep his face neutral. His mouth hung open and his eyes widened. In the hopes of having misheard his client’s words, he dared to ask, “A spinning wheel, sir?”
Mr. Telor nodded, the corners of his mouth falling in a sad smile. “My wife begged me for one. She has asked me for nothing the entire time we’ve been married and I want more than anything to make her happy.” Mr. Telor’s words revealed immense sadness. The man who had the admiration of the entire community, emitted an aura of childish curiosity and a gentle kindness. However, at that moment, the angles of his face sculpted the mask of chagrin.
Aldo fidgeted, twisting his hands. His gaze darted to the door, but it stood unmoving, not taking notice of his predicament. “Sir, I must disappoint you but I sold all the spinning wheels in my shop last month and haven’t bought any since.” Aldo swallowed when Mr. Telor’s face crumbled. “I can order some,” he quickly added. “However, it will be some time until I receive them what with winter setting in and all.”
No one used spinning wheels anymore besides old ladies who still lived in the glorious days of the past so Aldo found it most peculiar that Mr. Telor's wife wanted such an old-fashioned item but he knew better than to voice his thoughts, in his line of work the customer is always right.
He folded his hands behind his back and waited in silence.
Mr. Telor's face clouded over. He walked around the shop, his step heavy and his eyes downcast. "That's most unfortunate." Mr. Telor lifted his head. His eyes widened. He smiled which quickly removed any residue of his previous disappointment. It was hard to believe that youthful face belonged to the rigid man Aldo had seen earlier. His blue eyes danced over the semi-serious frown which added a mischievous tone. "You have a spinning wheel right there!" Mr. Telor pointed at the counter where Aldo's great-great-great-great grandmother's spinning wheel stood confined in a glass case.
Aldo looked at the shelves framing the counter. When he finally located the object that made Mr. Telor shine, his face darkened. He nonchalantly waved his hand, trying to buy himself some time.
"That…that is a spinning wheel," he finally said, nervously eying the object as if it would burn him, "but it's not for sale. It's a family heirloom."
Mr. Telor showed no signs of distress. “Money is not an issue for me.” He put his hand in his pocket and the coins clinked, whispering of gol
Aldo hesitated, which was all Mr. Telor needed.
“You’re sinking here.” Mr. Telor motioned to the bleak state of his shop. “You didn’t ask for this but like a good son, you follow in your father’s footsteps. It is a noble thing to do,” Mr. Telor nodded, giving him a gentle smile, “but this is your life. You can leave the shop and follow your dreams.”
Aldo admitted Mr. Telor made some pretty persuasive arguments. Could he really leave the shop that felt like an albatross hanging around his neck most days?
The coins clinked, pressuring Aldo for a decision.
“I can make it happen,” Mr. Telor said in a light tone. “I can help you fulfill your dreams.” He lifted his fingers and under a thread of light, Aldo watched an alternate future where he had a booth among the ice sculptors. All because he sold the family heirloom. It couldn’t hurt, right?
He was about to open his mouth and voice the fateful words when his father’s warning rang in his ears. Never part ways with Dahlia’s spinning wheel or a great evil shall befall the world.
Aldo swallowed, gazing at the old thing that did nothing but gather dust. It could at least help him make a life for himself. “Very well. I suppose I could spare that heirloom for the lady’s sake.” Aldo headed to the counter with a wide smile on his lips as the possibilities sparked in his mind.
Behind him, Mr. Telor patted his chest pocket and took a deep breath of relief. He pulled out a silk handkerchief and gingerly wiped his brow.
Aldo removed the case and started cleaning the spinning wheel, but cringed at the state of the object. He licked his lips and caught his client glancing impatiently at the spinning wheel. However, Aldo was not about to hand over a dirty antique to anyone. He knew better than that. Aldo brought the rags forth and got to work.
Mr. Telor laughed when Aldo presented him with the spinning wheel.
“Sir, you are so meticulous. You needn’t go to so much trouble.” Mr. Telor caressed the surface of the spinning wheel and a tender glow pulled his features into a smile. He then revealed a leather pouch and dropped it in front of Aldo’s surprised eyes. “I trust this will be enough?”
Aldo wrapped his hands around the leather pouch, the weight massaging his heart. A wide smile lit up his glum face. “It’s more than enough. Thank you very much, sir.” He bowed, and his forehead nearly kissed the wood. “Would you like a bag to carry it, sir?”
Mr. Telor tapped his chest and lifted the spinning wheel without difficulty. “It’s all right. It will impress the lady more if I deliver it by hand.” He winked and walked out the door.
And as Aldo watched him step out of his shop, an uneasy feeling squeezed his heart. Did he really make the right decision?
He pushed a wavering smile on his face. Cursed objects belonged in the tales told by old women and nobody ever died by holding them. After all, it had been in the shop for that many years, hasn’t it?
Chapter Two: The Spin of Fate
Mr. Telor whistled merrily as he reached the mansion where he lived with his wife, along with their servants. Though exceedingly wealthy, Mr. Telor rarely acted that way. His kindness and charity were the talk of the town.
He left the spinning wheel on the front step, breathing hard. “It doesn’t look like it, but it’s deceptively heavy.” He patted the silk handkerchief on his neck and brow, removing the sweat that marred his otherwise spotless appearance. Finally, he straightened his hair before knocking at the door.
“Sir,” the plump servant greeted him at the door. “It appears your journey was a success.” He cradled the spinning wheel in his arms and gave Mr. Telor an appreciative nod. “Mistress has been eagerly waiting for it. Shall I take it to her?”
Mr. Telor smirked, and his face lit up. “I think we can afford to be a little dramatic. Please get it out of sight and you may present the spinning wheel when I call for you.”
The servant, who was familiar with his master’s mischievous nature, simply nodded and headed to the servants’ entrance, glancing around him as he did.
Mr. Telor strutted into the living room, where the servants greeted him with smiles. He proceeded to the art room where he found his wife weaving her latest tapestry project”
When she became aware of his presence, she stilled. “You have returned.” Kino rose from her seat and turned to her husband, folding her white hands on her lap. Her composure didn’t break when she saw him empty-handed. “I trust the weather was not too harsh?”
Mr. Telor smiled. “It is a great day for walking. You should try it sometime, my dear. After all, the Ice Festival is almost upon us.”
Kino’s lips lifted. “Oh, I will.”
Mr. Telor, busy thinking about his speech, didn’t meet her gaze, so he didn’t see the cape of darkness adorning her onyx eyes, which held a note of mystery. Truth was he was afraid of Kino’s rigid expression every time he looked in her direction. An emotionless statue devoid of life she was.
“Did you find what you were looking for?” Kino passed her porcelain fingers along her waist.
“Aren’t you impatient, my dear? What do you want a spinning wheel for? Nobody uses them anymore and you have a loom that functions perfectly well.”
“We should exercise the ancient arts so we won’t forget the past. I enjoy the way the threads twist around each other to create something magnificent. Life is fragile, but if you twist it around other threads, you create unique patterns and colors.”
Mr. Telor scratched his ear, unable to understand Kino’s words yet again. He often found himself pondering her statements in order to decipher her cryptic meanings. “Yes, the colors are good,” he agreed, motioning to the loom behind her. “What are you making? A house?”
Kino’s lips formed a thin line. Only the slight twitching of her eye betrayed her irritation. “Our kingdom, surrounded by winter.”
“Your mind works in mysterious ways, my love.”
“I need the spinning wheel to get the details right.”
Mr. Telor thought it sounded logical, and since he knew little about weaving, he proceeded with his plan without worry. He held his arms high. “I have traveled far and wide, to every corner of our humble little hamlet.” He gestured and his voice escalated to hopelessness.
Kino remained unfazed. “I think it was over the top.”
Mr. Telor wasn’t discouraged. He clapped and the plump servant wheeled in a small table, covering an object with a black sheet.
“Until I sought the final destination of my journey.” With a flourish of his hand, Mr. Telor revealed what was underneath the sheet.
Kino lost her pinched expression and gasped. “What a beautiful spinning wheel!” she exclaimed, and strode toward the wooden object, ignoring her husband.
The spinning wheel emitted a strange light, showering the room in its blue hue. The wood hummed under Kino’s touch.
Mr. Telor shivered as cold seeped inside his coat, and exchanged a look with his servant.
The servant shook, his eyes stretched so wide that the pupils became thin vertical lines. With a trembling hand, he pointed to the spinning wheel, in fear it would burn him. “This object is cursed. You must throw it away at once!”
Mr. Telor frowned. Since it was the first time he had seen the servant so agitated, he became increasingly concerned. “My dear…”
But Kino wasn’t listening anymore. For the first time in years, she pulled up a chair on her own without calling for a maid. Kino brought the spinning wheel over to her table and began to weave. “After all this time,” she whispered and forced her fingers to work faster, “it will finally be complete.”
Glints of blue and black popped around the spinning wheel, growing thicker. Smoke came from the wheel and covered the ceiling. An evil laughter that belonged to no one reverberated around the mansion.
“Sir, we must leave!” The servant urged his master, pulling his arm. “We must…”
The loyal servant froze in front of Mr. Telor's bewildered eyes. Ice coated the servant’s frame. He froze on the spot, one arm outstretched.
“What have you done?” Mr. Telor lost his smooth demeanor.
