The Author's Notebook, VG Ch.3
VESTMEN'S GALE, Chapter Three - Oyster Rocks
Synopsis, Chapter Three
Refresh your memory…
Halfdan beats Matok (Michael) again, but also credits him for finding safe harbor and saving the ship. Halfdan suggests the spirits of Matok’s “witchy mother” helped him know where to wait out the storm. The mention of Matok’s father sends Halfdan into a rage. The crew sets sail again and heads up the Sako river. Approaching that tributary, Matok senses an evil presence with sinister intent. “Like a search party, probing for weakness.” He wonders if these premonitions could be why he’s called “witch boy.” He witnesses a large shark swimming lazily among a huge school of striped bass (ahem…foreshadow). Matok believes the key to him being drawn back in time is the spirit of his dead sister, Gabby, and he resolves to find her. The chapter closes as Matok spies a lock of red hair just like Gabby’s hanging from a necklace around Halfdan’s neck.
Teaser, Chapter Four - The Witch
I pushed a thin, chest-high pine branch out of my way as I walked beside a tall sapling. One of the few young trees that had found purchase beneath the shadow of the virgin forest. Thin flakes of bark stuck to my palm. Little Finger, or Tryfing as Halfdan had called him, followed a few yards behind, head pivoting, scanning the forest. His pale skin glowed ghostly in the moonlight. The air was cool, curiously absent the hum of mosquitos. I passed below a silver maple and noted its leaves were pale green, only two inches long. Must be spring, and too early for most bugs.
I gripped the handle of a battle-axe. At least that’s what Tryfing had said it was. Looked more like a hatchet with a narrow head and long wooden handle. “Why don’t I have a sword?” I asked.
“Because you haven’t bought one,” he muttered, grinning.
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