by T J Green
He laughed weakly. “You are. Thanks. Although, making women cry seems to be my speciality lately.”
“Have you talked to El about all this?”
He shrugged. “Sort of. I feel I’m being a bit of a crap boyfriend. Have you talked to Alex?”
She smiled wryly. “Sort of. I’ve been trying to bury all of this guilt, actually. Sex helps.”
He laughed, throwing his head back. “Yep, it really does.” He pointed to the back of the van. “You’re not suggesting anything, right?”
“No, you dick.”
He grinned at her, a cheeky glint in his eye. “I’m kidding. Besides, Alex would kill me. And so would El.”
Avery pulled the visor down and peered in the mirror. “Wow. I look like crap.” She tried to adjust her makeup and took a deep breath. “Well, this is not a good way to enter the Witches Council. Look at us. I’m puffy-eyed, and you look sad.”
“By the time we get to the top of this massive drive, we’ll look fine. Come on. United front.”
She turned and smiled. “United front.”
***
The atmosphere in Oswald’s meeting room seemed to be frostier than the last, and Avery looked around the table, trying to get a feel for who would be allies.
The room was dark. The clouds were gathering outside and the evening light was dim. A few lamps brightened dark corners, candles were lit down the centre of the table, and incense smoke was unfurling on the air, giving everything a slightly hazy quality.
They had arrived a few minutes late, so everyone was already seated around the long table, engaged in muted small talk. Oswald had greeted Reuben enthusiastically and found an extra chair for him, and Avery and Reuben now sat together towards the end of the table, just inside the door to the room. Oswald was again wearing a velvet jacket, this time with plaid trousers, and Reuben raised a questioning eyebrow at her and glanced towards Oswald’s clothes. Avery flashed him a warning with her eyes and hissed, “Behave.”
Claudia, the older witch from Perranporth, gave Avery a welcoming smile, as did Eve, the witch from St Ives with the dreadlocks who’d been so friendly at the last meeting, and Avery started to relax. Caspian merely narrowed his eyes at both of them and gave a barely-there nod. If Avery didn’t know better, she thought that nod almost denoted grudging respect. But she must be imagining things. Zane, the witch from Bodmin, and Mariah from Looe, were seated either side of him in a show of solidarity, and they barely glanced at her.
Genevieve was once more seated at the head of the table, authority emanating from her in waves. Her long hair was loose tonight, and it cascaded down her back, softening her sharp, refined features. “Right, let’s get on with it,” she said, the softness of her Irish lilt belying her brusque manner. “There have been three deaths in a very short time, and all of them seem to be the result of spirits or Mermaids.” She turned her piercing gaze to Avery, her glance brushing across Reuben. “What happened in All Souls?”
Avery explained about the spirits she had seen escaping from the dimensional doorway, James asking for help and using the ghost-hunters, but held back about the thermal imaging for now. She had every intention of telling them, but wanted to see what the general consensus was first.
Genevieve frowned. “You didn’t mention these escaping spirits before. Why not?”
Every single witch around the table was focussed on her, and Avery felt a little embarrassed. “If I’m honest, I forgot about them with everything else that had happened. We were fighting for our lives that night. It was chaotic, crazy—the escaping spirits seemed the least of our worries with that enormous demon in the room. And I was spirit walking at the time. I had to get back into my own body.”
“Perhaps,” Rasmus said, his rasping voice slightly impatient, “this would be a good time for us to learn what happened that night. We didn’t fully talk about it last time. I’d like to know.”
“I agree,” Eve said, smiling with encouragement. “We all know you had to break the binding, but we have no idea how. What happened?”
“You don’t have to discuss this.” Genevieve gave a warning glance around the table before looking at Avery and Reuben again. “Our magic and our rituals are private.”
“I think we’re fine with it,” Avery said, looking at Reuben, who nodded in agreement. She saw Caspian shuffle uncomfortably, but ignored him. “I’ll try and summarise the lead up. Things got complicated.” She relayed the whole story as best as she could, and then described the events that led to them using Helena in her body, and the ritual. She held back from the specifics of the spell—she knew what Genevieve meant. Spells were power, and sharing the details wasn’t in their best interests. Witches weren’t averse to stealing magic to gain power, Caspian’s family was proof of that, but she told them enough to understand the set up. By the time she’d finished relaying the events at Faversham Central, there were more than a few open mouths around the table, and Caspian was seething.
A chorus of exclamations, general swearing, and a huge amount of sympathy and understanding flooded the room. Avery glanced at Reuben in surprise and a smile crept across his face.
Eve’s voice broke through the noise. “I had no idea that things were so complicated and dangerous, Avery. I’m sorry you had to deal with that. And Reuben, please accept my sympathies for Gil’s death.” She shot a look of pure venom at Caspian. “What were you thinking? It’s outrageous that you should ever put another witch in such a position. You’re a disgrace. I had no idea that things were so bad.” Eve then rounded on Genevieve. “Why didn’t you explain this before? You gave us a very watered-down explanation of events.”
“I didn’t know the full details,” Genevieve explained, not looking completely surprised at the annoyed faces around the table, but also uncomfortable at the attention.
Avery suspected that was why Genevieve has never asked them for specifics, and didn’t give her the opportunity to share the last time. The sympathy she now felt was enormous. She risked a glance at Caspian, and found he was staring at her with grim respect and a challenge flashing in his eyes.
Caspian turned to Eve; he knew he had to make public amends. “You’re right, Eve. I and my family must take responsibilities for our actions.” Caspian turned back to Reuben and Avery. “We were put in a difficult position by my father. And Reuben, I meant what I said—I did not intend to kill Gil. I’m sorry.”
“I’m afraid I really don’t believe that, Caspian,” Reuben said softly. “Remember, you nearly pulled my family’s mausoleum down on my head. Your father cannot accept all the blame. But, I will move on from this, if you can.”
Avery tried to hide the shock from her expression. She could not believe Reuben had just said that. She reached her hand under the table, found Reuben’s hand and squeezed it, feeling him return the gesture.
Avery had the satisfaction of seeing Caspian’s shocked reaction, too. He nodded. “Of course.”
For the next five minutes, the table buzzed with questions, either for Avery, Reuben and Caspian, or chatter to each other, and then Genevieve called them to order. “Although this has been very illuminating, I think we should discuss the next death. Caspian, I understand you had a similar experience in St Luke’s Church?”
He nodded. “Yes. Another death, another spirit.” Caspian relayed the story of the verger’s death. “It’s almost identical, and that means even more police interest. Your friend, Newton, has already been asking too many questions,” Caspian sneered.
Avery tried to bite back a retort. Caspian could not help himself. His sneer was on default. Reuben was not so polite. Their temporary cease-fire was over swiftly.
“He’s a detective, that’s his job,” Reuben shot back. “You should be grateful he understands about this—us—or things would be a lot worse.”
“Is that right?” Caspian said, his eyes hard. “So glad he’s looking out for us. I’d rather he keep his nose out of Harecombe business altogether.”
“Enough,”
Genevieve said, her voice icy. “The police are a necessity. Reuben is right. Better Newton than anyone else. And the death at sea?” she said, turning to Oswald.
“No signs of suspicious activity as far as human intervention goes. The crew are bewildered and understandably upset. Ulysses was able to chat with them. They trust him.”
Avery wondered who Ulysses was, but fortunately, Claudia saw her confusion. “Ulysses is the other witch in Mevagissey.”
Oswald nodded. “He has strong water elemental magic, and has his own boat. The sailors and fisherman are used to him being around. Of course, they have no idea he’s a witch.”
“And what does he think of the possibility of Mermaids or Sirens?” Genevieve asked.
“He thinks Mermaids are involved. In fact,” Oswald paused and looked around the table. “He is convinced that some are already on land.”
Genevieve gripped the table and leaned forward. “What makes him think that?”
“At the moment it’s just instinct, but I don’t doubt it. He has very good instincts,” Oswald said.
“Has he any suggestions for what we should do?”
Oswald shook his head. “Not at present, other than to be watchful, and look for unusual activity, especially among men.”
Genevieve glanced around the room. “Any other incidents?”
The general feedback seemed to be more wayward spirits, and Genevieve dropped her shoulders and sat back. “So, any suggestions about the spirits in All Souls and St Luke’s?”
Avery was about to speak, but Caspian beat her to it. “These spirits broke out of the other dimension, the spirit dimension. That means they are strong, and getting stronger. They seem to be feeding on these bodies.”
“I agree,” Avery said. “From the brief glance I had at Harry’s body, the verger appeared to be drained, and many bones were broken. We wonder if that’s why the spirit was so strong when we encountered it in the church.”
Eve leaned forward. “What makes you think it’s stronger?”
“James, the vicar, said he had only been aware of its presence before. It was watchful, and obviously creepy, but not threatening. Harry’s death was a shock for many reasons.” Avery shrugged and looked at Reuben. “I must admit, I didn’t think spirits could manifest quite so strongly. But we also had an encounter with quite a few ghosts up at the castle grounds, and they were also strong.”
“You didn’t mention that,” Genevieve said, frowning. “When did that happen?”
“Just after the last meeting,” Avery said. “The ghosts at White Haven Castle seemed to be re-enacting some kind of event.”
Reuben agreed. “It was as if the magical surge we released had jolted them into action again. But they were almost physical…it took a lot for us to banish them. That’s where we met the ghost-hunters.”
Caspian frowned. “Are you actually trying to advertise the fact that you’re witches?”
Avery glared at him. “Stop being a drama queen, Caspian.” A few witches smirked and then tried to hide it. “They saw the spirits and would have been hurt if we hadn’t intervened. They’re trustworthy. In fact, they’ve also been helpful.” She looked around the table, gauging everyone’s reaction. “They managed to film the spirit in All Souls with a thermal imaging camera.”
Everyone leaned forward now, some frowning, some curious, and the silence around the table seemed to intensify.
“And?” Genevieve asked.
Avery glanced at Reuben, and he nodded almost imperceptibly. “The image appears to be of a large, winged spirit. It rushed down from the vaulted roof to us, and then disappeared.”
“Winged?” Rasmus questioned, eyebrows raised. “Like an angel?”
“Or a demon,” Claudia said. “They come in many forms.”
The black witch that Avery remembered from the first meeting spoke for the first time, his deep voice as rich as treacle. “Or, it could be a Nephilim.”
Reuben looked as puzzled as Avery. “What’s a Nephilim?”
“They are the children of fallen angels who fled from heaven and mated with human women. They were supposedly giants who dominated other men.”
Zane, the weasel-faced witch sitting next to Caspian, looked and sounded annoyed. “That’s a Christian myth, Jasper.”
Jasper laughed, incredulous, and he spread his hands wide. “Have you learned nothing, Zane? So are angels and demons, but they exist, don’t they? As do Mermaids, Sirens, ghosts, Poltergeists, Vampires, shape-shifters, witches, and all manner of other strange, mythical creatures that either exist here or in other dimensions. And there are still other creatures, according to other myths. Many of these spirits or creatures are the same the world over. It’s just that they are named differently according to each culture. We were talking about the Children of Llyr the other day. A Celtic myth, but they exist nonetheless.”
Zane looked down at the table, but Avery could tell he was angry at being lectured.
“Jasper, what made you suggest Nephilim?” Avery asked, immediately liking him. She estimated he was in his thirties, his dark hair shorn close to his scalp, clean shaven, and wearing a smart blue shirt, open at the neck.
“I research myths and legends, and the legends suggest that the Nephilim were once winged, which makes sense as the children of angels, but they walked among men without them. As I said, they were tall and powerful. It is suggested by some that God sent the deluge to rid the world of them once and for all. And that is the last time they walked the Earth.”
“The deluge?”
“The Flood. There’s one in every world myth. The one Noah had to build the ark for.”
Avery’s head was spinning. Old myths of creation, and monsters that walked among men. But, she reflected, some people considered witches to be monsters.
“Were they giants, or just tall?” Reuben asked.
Jasper shrugged. “It’s hard to say. Adults were much shorter centuries ago. Poor diet, harder life, shorter life expectancies. Anything approaching six feet would be seen as giant.”
“And why did God want to rid the Earth of them, according to myth?” Avery asked.
“Because they were violent, they dominated men, and more importantly, the Earth was not where they should be. They were the mixed offspring of mortal and immortal. It was considered an abhorrence. But, many things are considered to be abhorrent, and they still exist. We know this to be true. But humans do not like to accept the stranger things that walk among us. That’s why there are so many fairy tales and myths—to try to explain the inexplicable. We must not be so blind.” Jasper allowed himself a wry smile.
Jasper was right. As much as witches kept to their own kind, so did other creatures, but they all knew they existed, even if they didn’t mix.
“Avery,” Genevieve asked, “would your friends the ghost-hunters be interested in setting up their investigations at St Luke’s?”
“No!” Caspian exclaimed. “I forbid them to get involved.”
“You are in no place to forbid anything,” Genevieve said forcefully, causing Caspian to look furious, again. “We need to know if this is the same type of spirit, and if they’re linked to what happened beneath All Souls. I hold you partially responsible, and therefore you will cooperate. Avery?”
“I’m sure they’ll be happy to help.” Ben would probably give his right arm to get in that church.
“Good. Arrange it. And Caspian, be helpful, or you’ll find yourself banned from the Council.”
11
“In light of what we now think this spirit may be, is it wise you try to speak to it?” Newton asked.
Newton, Briar, Alex, and Avery were sitting around a small table in the back room of The Wayward Son; they had almost finished eating, and Newton was frowning over his pint.
“Yes, it’s still important. Nephilim or not, it’s still a spirit, and we might be able to find out something,” Alex insisted before he almost inhaled his final forkful of rare steak.
Briar sighed. “It
is risky, I know what you mean, Newton. But I also agree with Avery and Alex. It would be good to try to get some insight into what’s going on.”
“But two spirits, two churches, two deaths. It’s very risky. And since the deaths, they’ve been locked in by your spells. They might be feeling pretty angry. If they experience any kind of emotion,” Newton said, trying to be rational.
Avery smiled and pushed her empty plate away. Newton’s protective instincts were strong, and she had a feeling that although some of this was due to his profession, it was also because they were friends now. And on the positive side, Alex and Newton’s initial testosterone battles seemed to have settled down.
“We’ll protect ourselves well, I promise.” Avery said, trying to reassure him.
Alex nodded. “Salt circle, spells, the whole thing. Trust us.”
Newton continued to frown. “I don’t want any more deaths.”
“Neither do I. Especially mine. Or of course Avery’s,” Alex said with a wink.
“Nice to know, thanks,” Avery said.
“Are you going now?” Briar asked, sipping her white wine.
“Half an hour or so,” Avery explained. “James will meet us at the entrance and let us in. We wanted to make sure he felt involved in this. But, he stays outside.”
“How did you explain that one,” Newton asked, curious.
“I said Alex had psychic abilities, as part of his talent for exorcism. He bought it,” Avery said with a shrug. “And it is true—I just omitted the witch part.”
“Did you see the headlines in the local paper this morning?” Briar asked.
Avery sighed and quoted the headline. “Unnatural Death at All Souls. Is a violent ghost to blame? How do they hear about these things?”
Newton answered. “Unfortunately, the press hang around police stations and hospitals, and talk to ambulance staff. They pick up stuff we don’t want them to know. If anyone gets in touch with you, deny everything. I’ve told Ben the same thing.”
“I bet it would be good publicity for Ben,” Briar said.
