The Standing Stone on the Moor

<p><span style=color: rgba(0 0 0 1)>Yorkshire 1845.</span></p><p></p><p><em style=color: rgba(0 0 0 1)>Folklore whispers that they used to burn witches at the standing stone on the moor. When the wind is easterly it wails a strange lament. History declares it was placed as a marker visible for miles-a signpost for the lost directing them towards home.</em></p><p><span style=color: rgba(0 0 0 1)>Forced from their homeland by the potato famine a group of itinerant Irish refugees sets up camp by the stone. They are met with suspicion by the locals branded as 'thieves and ne'er-do-wells.' Only Beth Harlish takes pity on them and finds herself instantly attracted to Ruairi their charismatic leader.</span></p><p><span style=color: rgba(0 0 0 1)>Beth is the steward of nearby manor Tall Chimneys-a thankless task as the owners never visit. An educated young woman Beth feels restless like she doesn't belong. But somehow 'home'-the old house the moor and the standing stone-exerts an uncanny magnetism. Thus Ruairi's great sacrifice-deserting his beloved Irish homestead to save his family-resonates strongly with her.</span></p><p><span style=color: rgba(0 0 0 1)>Could she leave </span><em style=color: rgba(0 0 0 1)>her </em><span style=color: rgba(0 0 0 1)>home to be with him? Will he even ask her to?</span></p><p><span style=color: rgba(0 0 0 1)>As she struggles with her feelings things take a sinister turn. The peaceable village is threatened by shrouded men crossing the moor at night smuggling contraband from the coast. Worse the exotic dancing of a sultry-eyed Irishwoman has local men in a feverish grip. Their womenfolk begin to mutter about spells and witchcraft. And burning. </span></p><p><span style=color: rgba(0 0 0 1)>The Irish refugees must move on and quickly. Will Beth choose an itinerant life with Ruairi? Or will the power of 'home' be too strong?</span></p>