All Chapters of Purpel and Ash: Chapter 21 - Chapter 30

Spring came gently into the hidden valley.The olive trees excavated delicate silver green leaves, wild flowers flowered in bright yellow and violet on the meadows, and the brook led more water than in Winter. The old villa had changed in the last months – it was not abandoned ruins more, but a real home.Valeria Aurelia Luna was now eleven months old.She didn't just crawl – she moved up to everything she could achieve, and made their first shaky steps. Your black curls were longer and framed her little face like a wild halo. The eyes in this unique gold blue that neither Marcus nor Livia ever shined at one had seen other people.On a warm afternoon Livia sat with her on the terrace in the shade of an old Pergola. She had Valeria on her lap and showed her the colorful butterflies that to dance the flowering herbs.“Look, my little girl... this is a butterfly. So beautiful and free.”Valeria stretched out her little hands and laughed brightly. The purple light of the family

The autumn stained the leaves of the olive trees silvery-golden and dipped the small valley in warm light. It was the most beautiful season they had experienced here so far.Valeria Aurelia Luna was two and a half years old – a spirited, curious girl with wild black curls and a laugh that the birds to tumbling. She ran everywhere, talked without omission and had a special preference for wanting to “magie”. Most of the time it ended with the small gold-blue sparks danced through the air and Marcus or Livia quickly had to intervene before something got fired.On this sunny morning they decided to go to the next village.It was a risk, but a calculated one. The village was almost three hours away in one adjacent valley. It was small, isolated and so far peaceful. They needed salt, Flour, new cloth for Valeria's clothing and especially information. Marcus had for longer the feeling that the world was changing outside.“Only briefly,” he said, while he put Valeria on his shoulders

The first days of flight through the Sabine mountains were merciless.The path rose steeply, became narrow and dangerous. Loose stones rolled under their feet away, the wind whipped cold through the canyons, and the nights brought scouring Cold. Marcus wore the heavy bag with her few belongings and often also Valeria, when the terrain became too difficult. Livia followed closely behind him, a hand always on the rock, the other ready to call blue fire.Valeria Aurelia Luna was braver than a child at her age.She seldom cried loud, but her big golden-blue eyes were full of questions and Fear. When she got tired, she clung to Marcus’ neck and whispered: “Papa... when are we at home?”Marcus’ Answer was always the same, gentle and firm: “We are looking for a new Home, little girl. One where no one can find us.”In the third night they found a small, semi-defeated shepherd hut under a overhanging rocks. The wind cried around the walls, but inside it was dry. Marcus lit a little fi

The first days in the hidden valley of the Efeu passed as a gentle dream. Valeria Aurelia Luna was completely enchanted. She ran barefoot through the high Grass, collected shiny stones from the brook and gave each olive tree a own names. Marcus and Livia observed them with a mixture of joy and quiet vigilance. The purple light of her family shined here harmonious – as if the place itself welcomes them. One afternoon, while Valeria kept her lunch, Marcus decided and Livia, explore the cottage more closely. They started in the back room, which used to be a warehouse or workshop. Marcus sneaked an old chest with Efeu. Behind it came hidden niche for appearance. “Livia... look at this.” In the niche there was a small book bound in leather, along with a bladder golden ring and a hair strand with a purple band was tied together. Livia took the book carefully. The pages were made of expensive papyrus, Ink still surprisingly well preserved. She started reading quietly: ‘ “Tod

The fall went slowly into a mild winter, but in the valley of the Efeu the Time to pass more gently. The leaves of the olive trees stained silvery, in the morning was ripe on the grass, and the brook wore cool, crystal clear water. The small cottage was right now become homely. Marcus had roomed new shops, Livia had curtains soft fabric sewn, and Valeria had colored stones everywhere with her small hands and dried flowers. Valeria Aurelia Luna was almost three years old. She was an aroused, brave girl with an involuntary curiosity and a Laugh that even warmed the coldest morning. Her magic developed playful and natural. Sometimes she let small purple sparks dance when she rejoiced or tiny blue slurries when she concentrated. Marcus and Livia taught them carefully to control their powers – never as a weapon, but as Gift. They sat in front of the hut in a cool morning. Valeria painted with one carburized floor pictures on a flat stone. “Look, Mom! That's you with fire. A