THE WITCH AND THE CROW Esmarelda cried into the cold and wet evening broken hearted, after finding the love of her life Masima, swinging from the tree in a noose, her lover had been hanged. This was by the Sherriff's men, after he was caught chanting prayers to beyond the grave. 'I call for the love of my life, to return to our home in the wood.' She cried out through the pouring rain. Lightning flashed, there was silence then a distant rumble, as she looked up and she remembered his love and passion rush through her brain. Another flash! She felt him standing behind her. Silence! she felt a moment of passion. A rumble of thunder which rumbled on longer. She felt Masima was getting closer and blowing down her neck just the way he used to with his seduction. A flock of crows danced in the wind around her, like rolling waves of dark clouds. They approached, with more flashes of lightning and the thunder now crashing. Esmarelda knew he was coming back to her as the rains fell. She was soaked and was chanting softly as a large crow approached and hovered for a moment, 'Is that you Masima my love, or are you just another demon from Hell?' The crow flew off into the darkness, flapping his large wings, which whistled with power. She remembered the power Masima had in his arms. Esmarelda felt his spirit as the crow returned with a warning 'You must go, the Sheriff's men are returning.' 'Are you….?' 'His Spirit?… Yes I will guide you.' Masima answered. Esmarelda looked up at the tree again. Masima's body had gone, she was confused, but then felt his warm black feathers against her, and together, they flew high up into the tree to finally live free forever. *****