by T J Green
“Well, hidden lines of power. Sounds loopy.”
Her gaze hardened. “And yet you’ve seen us wield magic. Seen Shifters, Nephilim, Mermaids… Why wouldn’t these lines exist? Just because you can’t see them!”
Newton looked away, slightly chastened.
“Anyway,” Reuben continued, “Cornwall has a Ley Line running directly through it, right from Glastonbury and Stonehenge to St Michaels Mount. And a small line runs off it to Old Haven.”
Alex and Avery looked at each other and back to Reuben. “Really?”
“Really. And in this book,” he gestured to an old history book on Druids at his feet, “are listed places where Druids were known to be more prevalent. This area is one of them. Druids liked their groves of trees. They were natural places of worship and magic. Old Haven is one of them. Or rather, the grove of trees with the yew tree at its centre is one of them.”
“What better place,” Briar said, “to build a church than in one of the old pagan places of worship?”
El smiled. “The usual tale. We all know it. Buy good will off the pagan community who follow the old gods by co-opting their place of worship.”
“And their celebration dates on the calendar,” Alex added.
Avery frowned. “Isn’t there another name for Ley Lines? Spirit ways or death lines?”
“Death roads,” Reuben corrected her. “The roads that the dead were carried along. People were very specific about how they were walked and how you would carry your dead. And they’re also called Faery paths—you have to respect them, or bad things happen.” He rummaged through the books around him, pulled one free, and passed her a page with a map on it.
The map showed Britain with lines running across it, many intersecting. On these lines, and particularly where they crossed, were places of historical and supernatural significance. Stonehenge, Glastonbury, Anglesey, and the Lake District in particular were places where many of these lines intersected, as if they were hot spots of power.
“Strange,” Avery mused. “We spent last night at Castlerigg Stone Circle in the Lakes. It was ancient and powerful. It’s the Shifters spiritual home—I think that’s what Piper called it.”
“I would say it’s had a lot of blood spilt there over the years,” Alex mused. He’d moved behind Avery so he could see the map.
Reuben continued. “Anglesey, as you can see, is another hot spot, and well known for its Druid worship. It was supposedly covered in trees at one point, but the Romans cut them down as they executed the Druids and destroyed their religion. It’s another place that is believed to be have been a source for Avalon—the island out of the King Arthur tales. Its ancient name was Ynys Mon.”
Newton had been listening silently to all of this new information. “Were there Druids in Cornwall?”
“Yep. Where do think Stan gets his ideas from? Cornwall was a Celtic nation once, and Celts and Druids go hand in hand.”
“Wow.” Avery leaned back, deep in thought. “So the grove at Old Haven is on a Ley Line, and was a Druid centre of power?”
El ran her hands through her white blonde hair, ruffling it thoughtfully. “Looks like it. And maybe a gateway to the Fey.”
“Hold on a minute,” Newton said, looking confused. “Fey? As in Faeries? You’re talking like these really exist!”
“We keep talking about gateways for a reason, Newton,” Briar explained patiently, as if she was talking to a child. “Faeries live in another reality—supposedly—one that runs parallel to our own, but used to be accessible years ago, when the paths between worlds were thinner. The Druids and Fey exchanged knowledge.”
“Druids and Fey have always been linked,” Reuben added. “Druids worshipped trees and nature, and were connected spiritually to the Earth, just like the Fey. There’s nothing more magical than the Faeries and their mounds, where the myths suggest they live beneath the visible world.”
“Heard of Merlin?” El asked Newton.
“Of course I bloody have. I’m not an imbecile.”
“Merlin was a Druid, and all of the King Arthur tales were linked with the Fey. Arthur’s half-sister, the dreaded Morgan Le Fay, was half-Fey and a witch—hence the name.”
Reuben continued to explain, “The yew, remember, also represents—” He held his fingers up one at a time. “Death, rebirth, a guardian to other worlds, a symbol of the Triple Goddess, and is linked to Samhain, the time of the year when the veils between worlds are at their thinnest. That’s a pretty powerful combination.”
Briar shivered and wrapped her arms around herself. “Well, now we know why she picked that place.”
Alex exhaled heavily. “Well, we guessed it must be something of the sort, but it’s good to have some tangible evidence. But this doesn’t really tell us why.”
“And we still don’t know how to stop it or close it,” El pointed out.
“Or how bloody big it might get!” Newton said. “What if this thing blows up and takes over most of White Haven?”
“It’s not a bomb, Newton.” Briar looked at him, exasperated.
“How do you know that?” he said angrily. “It’s a big hot spot of concentrated energy up there, and it’s building by the day. And what’s going to come out of it?”
“We have to find out who she is,” Alex said, looking around at them all. “I know it seems impossible, but it might help.”
“I don’t give a crap who she is,” Newton answered, popping the cap on another bottle of beer. “I just want you to stop her. The last time a doorway opened, we ended up with the Nephilim. I don’t want some raging Goblin King like David Bowie coming out of it next.”
The room erupted in laughter, and even Newton sniggered. “Well, you never know.”
20
After the best night’s sleep she’d had in a long time, Avery headed to Happenstance Books, looking forward to catching up on work gossip.
Saturdays were always busy, and she was hoping for a welcome distraction from Old Haven. In the end she hadn’t gone to see Hunter. Briar was happy to go on her own, and Avery wondered if she liked Hunter more than she was letting on. It was hard to know with Briar; she liked to keep things to herself. She did notice, however, that Newton was very grumpy about Hunter being back, which she thought was pretty funny. Maybe he’d changed his mind about pursuing a relationship with a witch.
The shop was still closed when Avery arrived, but she found Dan and Sally in the backroom, starting on their first coffee of the day. Sally ran over and hugged her.
“So glad you’re back! I’ve been worried sick,” she said, looking at her carefully for signs of injury.
“Things were weird, but I’m fine, and the Devices are neutralised, for now,” Avery said, trying to reassure her. “How have things been here? Did the story time go okay?”
Dan preened himself. “Brilliantly. The kids loved it, and there’s another session this afternoon. Sold oodles of books, too, you’ll be pleased to know.”
“And were the costumes a success?”
“Of course! Looking forward to seeing yours, Avery.” He grinned as he passed her a coffee.
“Can’t wait, either,” she grumbled into her drink.
“Excellent, I’m going to get changed.” He grabbed his costume off the back of the chair and headed for the staff bathroom.
“I’m so relieved things have been okay,” Avery said, sinking into a chair. “I was worried something might happen.”
“All good so far. Just Stan and his niece waxing lyrical about our shop and costumes. The local press is visiting at some point today.”
Avery groaned. “You’re kidding.”
“No. It’s good for the town, promotes tourism, and very good for the shop, too,” she pointed out. “They’re visiting a few places. The Witch Museum is first on the list, I think.”
“I suppose you’re right,” Avery answered.
Sally looked nervous. “Oh, and before I forget, I need to warn you that Stan’s niece, Rebecca, is coming back t
oday. She loves this place, loves everything about it, especially the tarot cards, and Dan accidentally let it slip that you read them.”
“He did what?”
“Nothing witchy mentioned,” she said, trying to reassure Avery. “Just tarot. So she’s coming back for a reading. We said she’d have to ask nicely.”
Avery groaned and stood up. “I suppose I could do one.” She headed to the door of the shop with her coffee. “In the meantime, I’m going to try to cheer myself up by spelling us up a little Halloween magic.”
“And then your costume!” Sally wagged a finger at her at her retreating back.
Avery smiled with pleasure as she spelled the lights on in the shop. The place really did look magical, and that was all Sally’s doing. Halloween-themed strings of lights were festooned over the shelves and walls, and pumpkins, grinning skeletons, witches, and ghouls were propped everywhere. The reading corner looked especially good, with rugs and cushions spread over the floor.
Avery reinvigorated her special spell that helped her customers find the book they never knew they’d always wanted, and lit incense and fake candles as she progressed around the shop. She took a deep breath as she glanced around. Today was going to be a good day; she just had this feeling, despite the fact that she was going to have to dress up.
Her thoughts were disturbed by the arrival of Dan in a sweeping black cloak, black suit, and slicked black hair popularised by film Draculas. “Oh, nice! You look good in a suit, Dan. You should wear one more often.”
He winked. “Thanks. And the cloak?” He picked up one side and held it dramatically over the lower half of his face.
“No. Not the cloak.”
“I’m crushed. Now, off you go to get changed.” He shooed her out and she headed back to the kitchen to see Sally emerging from the bathroom in a long, empire line gown with the beginnings of zombie make-up on her face.
“That’s not a zombie costume!” Avery said, looking with bewilderment at her dress.
“Er, yes it is! Pride and Prejudice and Zombies! Come on, Avery. Know your popular culture, please. This is a book shop, and Pride and Prejudice is a national classic.”
“Ah! Very good. I stand corrected. Give me five minutes to join the fun.”
Avery’s costume was where she’d left it on the bed in her flat, and she changed quickly, laughing at herself in the mirror. Despite her misgivings, it looked good, and as she strode through the attic swishing her long skirt, Helena appeared in front of her, a wry smile on her face.
Avery smiled and twirled. “Morning, Helena. Like it?”
Helena reached out, and Avery felt Helena’s cool hand stoke her cheek.
Holy crap, what was that? And was Helena being affectionate?
She stepped back. “You shouldn’t be able to do that!”
Helena shrugged and smiled mischievously.
“Is this a Samhain thing?”
Helena shrugged again.
“Any other surprises?” Avery asked warily.
Helena merely smirked and disappeared.
With chills running down her spine, Avery picked up the large, pointed witch’s hat with a broad brim and headed back downstairs and into the shop, stopping to grab an ornate fake wand from a display shelf. Witches didn’t really need to use a wand, she never had, but popular convention liked them, so she decided to add one to her costume. If she was going to do this, she may as well commit to it.
Dan howled with laughter when he saw her. “I love it!”
Avery pulled the hat on and posed. “Do I look the part?”
“And then some!”
“Where’s Sally?”
“I’m here!” she yelled from behind a large bookshelf. She emerged, fully made up as a zombie, fake blood artfully placed on her face and arms.
Avery laughed as she unlocked the front door. “What we must look like! Come on, let’s get this show on the road!”
The customers started arriving early, and kept coming in a steady stream all morning, lingering a long time. Sally had placed bowls of Halloween sweets around the shop and on the counter, and these encouraged loitering and chat, so that when the press arrived, Avery was shocked to find it was already late morning.
Stan beamed as he shepherded them in, greeting them all with hearty hellos. Avery was surprised to see the blonde news reporter who’d been at Old Haven. She was accompanied by a middle-aged man who carried camera gear, and a young girl bringing in lighting equipment. Avery struggled to remember the reporter’s name, but she introduced herself anyway as she extended her hand. “Sarah Rutherford. So pleased to meet our resident witch!”
Avery stuttered, “What?”
“Your costume! You look fantastic!” She turned on a wave of perfume. “And Dracula and a Zombie Miss Bennett! Perfect!” She gestured towards her cameraman. “This is Steve.” He waved a silent hello, pre-occupied with setting up the camera and scanning the room.
A young voice said breathlessly, “I’m Becky, and I’m so excited to meet you!”
Avery turned in alarm to see the girl who’d arrived with them at her elbow, gazing up at her in admiration.
“Hi!” Avery said, slightly bewildered at this young, breathy creature who looked so excited.
Stan swooped in. “My niece, Becky. She’s been dying to meet you after hearing about your skills with the tarot. And she just loves your shop, don’t you, Becky?”
“I do! And I love your costume, too!”
Faced with this enthusiastic teen who could barely be older than 14, Avery blinked and tried to be polite. “That’s lovely, thank you.” She reached for a bowl of sweets. “Would you like an eyeball?”
“Yum!” she said, reaching in and grabbing a couple. “I love these.” She lowered her voice and pulled Avery aside while the news team decided where and what to shoot. “Dan said you might be willing to read the tarot for me later. Would you, please?”
Avery hesitated for a second, having rehearsed all morning ways to say no, but found in the face of such pleading it was impossible. “Of course. We’ll go into the back room after the news team has finished. But I’m not that good, really,” she said, lying horribly. “I wouldn’t get too excited.”
But it was as if she hadn’t spoken. “I can’t wait. Dan said you’re the best.”
“He’s being polite because I employ him.” She looked up and caught his amused glance with a glare that said, I will kill you. She turned back to Becky. “You know, lots of people do tarot reading around White Haven. You could try some of them if you like.”
“But none of their shops are as cool as this. I’d like to buy my own cards too.”
Avery smiled. “You should never buy your own cards. They should be given as a gift.”
Her face fell. “Oh, why?”
Avery lowered her voice. “It’s the rules of magic. They work better that way.”
Becky widened her eyes with surprise, but Avery turned away, caught by the commotion by the till.
“So,” Sarah was saying, “who’s best to interview?”
“Sally!” Avery said, heading over. “She’s my shop manager, and is the one responsible for all of these amazing decorations. Without her this wouldn’t be anywhere near as good.”
Sally looked surprised but actually quite pleased, and Avery smiled. She deserved it. And besides, she didn’t want to be interviewed at all.
Sarah seemed happy. “Excellent. I’ve never interviewed a zombie Miss Bennett before.”
Avery hated to tell her Miss Elizabeth Bennett was never a zombie, she was a zombie hunter, but decided to let it go and kept out of the way while the news team did their shoot. They didn’t take long, and Sally was a natural.
While the cameraman set off around the shop to take some more footage, Sarah warned them that only a snippet might make it onto the news. “We’ve got a few other places to visit, so we’ll see how much time they give us. It will all probably be edited down to a few minutes at the most. But all this activity at th
e church has created a lot of interest in Halloween and White Haven. The story might even go national!”
“Really?” While Avery thought that sounded horrible, Sarah looked pleased at the thought.
“Yes. It will be great for me, and you’ll get more tourists. Good all around, don’t you think?”
“So, you think everything happening at Old Haven is a hoax?” Avery asked, feigning ignorance. “You were the reporter up there the other day, weren’t you? I think I saw you on TV.”
For a moment, Sarah looked worried. “It was odd, if I’m honest. The vicar just flew off those ladders, and the camera was already playing up. It gave me a hell of a shock, too.” And then she laughed. “But of course it was a hoax! A good one, I admit, and we couldn’t work out how they’d done it, but—well, what else could it be?”
Stan had been listening with interest and he joined in. “White Haven is well known for its old religions and witch history. Someone’s just decided to take it a step further.” He turned to Sarah. “I agree with you, it just adds to the fun of Halloween in White Haven. Fortunately James is okay, so no real harm done.”
“Well, Steve had a few burns, and our camera was destroyed, but the insurance will cover that,” Sarah added brightly, as if Steve’s burns didn’t matter at all. “And of course the place is well protected now by that lovely Gabe and his team.”
Avery nodded. “So I saw. Have you been back?”
“Not yet, but I’m hoping to go later this week, just to report on updates before Halloween, talk to some of the locals who are staking out the place, and interview Gabe. Anyway,” she said as Steve returned. “We better get to the next place. Where’s that, Stan?”
“Angels as Protectors,” he said, mentioning one of the many new age shops closer to the quay.
“Okay. Lovely to meet you all,” she said, heading for the door.
“Uncle Stan,” Becky said quietly. “Can I stay here and I’ll meet you later?”
“Sure thing,” he said, patting her head like she was a dog. “See you at Cakes and Bakes in an hour.”
As soon as he’d gone, Becky turned and looked expectantly at Avery, and Sally smiled.
