Free Fiction - The Midwood Chronicles!

I've started on a series of children's fantasy books. Here is an excerpt from the first book, "Thomas Candlewax and the Winter Witch"

They walked the pathway that led around the edge of Midwood to the fields just below the forest and near the river. Finding a quiet spot, they settled down: Thomas with his book and Jinx basking in the warm sun for a nap. Opening the book, Thomas started reading how Puddle was founded and the ancestors of the townsfolk as well as a great divide between Puddle and Twixtbridge over the exportation of tea and biscuits. He lay in the warm sun and soon found himself drifting off to sleep.

He had been napping for a while when something tickled his nose. He turned over but now, whatever it was tickled his cheek. And he felt cold air on his face. He opened his eyes and to his amazement it was snowing. Not heavy snow a gentle light snow, and the air that was warm was now getting colder. Jinx shook himself awake, cleaning the snow from his fur.

"Snow? In summer?" Thomas thought to himself. "How can this be?" Sitting up he saw how the snow was starting to blanket the field - a dusting of powdery white flakes.

Then the wind turned. A cold bitter wind blew over him and Jinx drew himself closer to Thomas to keep warm.

"Thomas?" a small quiet voice called to him. "Thomas Candlewax?"

"Who's there?" Thomas asked.

"We are here."

"Where?"

"In the woods, "the voice answered. "You must come quickly."

Thomas turned his head and looked toward the dark looming trees. The snow was starting to gather on the branches and leaves.

"I can't go into Midwood," Thomas answered the voice.

"You must!" This time the voice was more insistent. "If you don't the whole of Puddle will be struck with winter and many will die. And we shall die as well."

Standing up, Thomas started toward the trees.

"I don't think this is a good idea," came a voice at Thomas' feet. Looking down, Thomas only noticed Jinx staring up at him." Did you say that?" Thomas asked.

"Yes," Jinx replied.

"But - but you're a cat! You've never spoken before!"

"I had nothing to say until now," Jinx said and blinked his large yellow eyes. "I don't think this is a good thing, Thomas. You know what they say about Midwood."

"I know," Thomas said. "But the voice seems so urgent. I think we should at least go in a few feet."

"I don't know about this," Jinx said. "But I shall stay with you."

They walked uphill toward the edge of the forest. There was a wooden sign that read:

"Danger! Keep Out!"

Thomas took a deep breath and moved forward past the sign. The quiet voice was still calling to him and as he entered the woods it was louder now. "Thomas Candlewax, we need your help."

He pressed forward, followed by Jinx and they entered Midwood.