Witching Ways

by T K Eldridge

  As the boat pulled away, he started to chuckle. “You handled her beautifully. I had hoped for more of a conversation, but you put that twit in her place and then some.”

  “I’ve been dealing with people like that since I was a child. ‘Oh, you’re lesser because of…whatever.’ I don’t put up with that crap any longer. I’m not less. I’m more. If she can’t handle that, then she needs to get an attitude adjustment.”

  “And you gave her one. I’m proud of you. I’m going to visit the bookseller near the castle, so I’ll ride with you that far, then find my way home when I’m done. Enjoy your visit and give Maggie my best, will you?”

  “I will, Grampa,” I said as we got off the boat and hired an electric car to get us to the castle. Most of the cars on the island were two-seater electric models, but hired ones had a seat in the middle up front for the driver, then two rows of seats facing each other in the back. We took in the sights as we wound up the road from the dock to the castle, and soon I was being let in the pedestrian door by one of the guards. The houses and buildings on the island still showed much of their fantastical fae architecture and details, but human updates were moving in at an incredible pace. Electric lights, modern plumbing, cell phones, all of it had been happily adopted by the island dwellers and yet the charm of the fae style still came through.

  I had sent Grandma a text that I was on the boat headed to see her, so a young woman met me at the door and led me through a maze of hallways until she left me outside an open door. I knocked and heard Grandma say to enter, so I stepped inside. The room was a library and study, with floor to ceiling books, a massive desk in the center where Grandma was working, a fireplace to one side with cozy chairs, and a table set with beautiful crystal and china in front of stained glass doors that opened to a small stone balcony.

  “Wow, this is a gorgeous room, Grandma,” I said after I’d looked around.

  “It’s one of my favorites,” Grandma said. “Have a seat at the table, lovey. I’ve got to finish this up and I’ll be ready to join you.”

  “Thanks, Grandma,” I replied and took a seat. From the table, one could see out past the balcony where a beautiful garden and trees were laid out, the edge of the cliff decorated with a low stone wall so as not to not hide the view of the ocean beyond.

  Grandma came over and kissed my head, then sat with me at the table. “You didn’t visit the sylphs long.”

  “No, Great-grand Auntie Roisin was kind of a bitch, so I put her in her place and left. Grampa said I handled it well, so we’ll see. I’m just done with being treated as if I am less than, when I am made up of more than everyone else.”

  “Roisin Murphy can be a bitch, as long as she’s awake and breathing,” Grandma said.

  I laughed at that and shook my head. “So I’d been forewarned. Anyway, she called me Princess and got all ‘come see me again’ after I told her you were waiting on me. Seems she’d forgotten I was your great-granddaughter.”

  “I’m betting she won’t make that mistake again,” Grandma said. “Are you hungry? I had a lovely lunch prepared for us.”

  “I’m hungry, yes. Thanks for doing this.”

  We enjoyed fresh seafood and delicate greens from the gardens as well as some of the most elaborate and delicious sweets I’d ever eaten, thanks to the fae chefs in the castle kitchens. We sipped sparkling water infused with fruit flavor and discussed books, music, and the latest on the streaming movie service I’d helped her sign up for on my last visit.

  Dishes were removed and we took our coffee over to the fireplace and settled in.

  “Now, tell me, with what do you need my help?” Grandma asked.

  “I’ve been doing my own research for a while now – and I don’t believe that the ley line fluctuations are just something that happens. They’re too regular. Every two hundred and fifty years, there are fluctuations severe enough to impact the function of magic among magic users. Every one hundred years, there are fluctuations for a day or so, centered around the solstices – but not strong enough to disrupt everyone’s magic for an extended period of time. I’m guessing that’s why we were all taught to let our magic ‘rest’ on solstice days after we charged the heart stones.”

  “Perhaps. I hadn’t looked at it that way, because once I was in the pocket realm, I lost track of calendar time as we track it here on earth.”

  I pulled out my phone and brought up the spreadsheet to show her.

  She spent a few moments looking it over and smiled. “Your grandfather is most correct. You are brilliant with information.”

  “Once I figured that out, I started digging into ancient texts, and I think that there is someone, or a group of someones, that causes these fluctuations. Elders or gods or whatever you want to call them.”

  Grandma very carefully put her china cup into the saucer and set it on the table. “You mean you believe the Powers are the ones that cause these fluctuations?”

  “In the few ancient texts I’ve found, there are discussions of feast days and honorariums that are no longer observed. They’ve fallen out of practice and been left to the wayside. As each one was left behind, the reports of the violence of the lay line disruptions grew. I’m wondering if we’re being punished for not honoring gods and goddesses or elders or whatever you want to call them – because we’ve forgotten them over time.”

  Grandma sat up and leaned in towards me. “Are you short on time today? Do you have to rush back?”

  “No, Grandma, I’ve got the next two days off.”

  “Call Alicia and tell her you’re going to be staying here for a couple of days, would you? I’ll see you have all the things you need, but I believe I can help you find answers. I’m going to introduce you to the Archivist.”

  “Okay, and I’ll call Grampa too. He’ll worry if I don’t tell him I’m here,” I said. He’d been beyond protective since I almost died after being poisoned with a shifter poison.

  “You do that. I’ll send a message to Oak and let him know we’re coming.”

  I called Grams and the Commander and let them know I would be working in the castle library and staying with Grandma Maggie. They both warned me to be careful, and soon I was following Grandma down a narrow stone passage with thin slices of window in the stone to give us light.

  The room she took us to had no windows and was lit with beautiful, fanciful chandeliers and lamps that glowed with electric light. Cabinets and long tables filled the room, and about halfway up a circular walk ran the whole way around with book shelves that stretched up into the shadows. The size of the space seemed hard to determine with light and shadow that shifted as one’s eyes moved from place to place.

  A man that simply exuded the sense of the great passage of time, approached from between the tables. He offered a regal bow to Grandma and his voice seemed too deep for his narrow frame. An embroidered robe, much like a monk might wear, hung to mid-shin over soft pants, and on his feet a pair of soft leather boots. He had a bald head and brilliant blue eyes that took my measure in an instant. “Your Majesty, it is an honor to serve.”

  “Oak, you do me the honor. This is my great-granddaughter, Sidonie. She is a brilliant researcher and has possibly discovered an explanation for the magic fluctuations. However, her resources are limited in comparison to what we have here, and she could use your wisdom and guidance. Would you be willing to assist?” Grandma said.

  “It would be my honor to work with your Princess,” Oak said. He turned to me, head tipped slightly. “What is the main point of your thesis?”

  “I believe the ley line fluctuations happen because we’ve forgotten to honor those that control the stream of power,” I said.

  The smile that blossomed on his face surprised both Grandma and I.

  “At last, someone has unlocked the puzzle. Come, little one. We have much work to do.”

  Grandma gave me a kiss on the cheek. “Don’t let him forget to eat, or to feed you. I’ll come back this evening to take you to your room and see ho
w things fared.”

  “Thank you, Grandma. I’ll do my best.”

  “I know you will. The prophecy said you would.”

  With those words, she left us, and I turned to hurry after the disappearing figure of Archivist Oak.

  Chapter Three

  Sin

  In case you were unaware, it is difficult to swing a hammer and laugh your ass off at the same time. My grandmother, Alicia Fortin, who owned Fortin Farms and ran the place like a battle-scarred general, had a thing for t-shirts with sayings. She had roped a few of us in to reinforce the fencing and gates around the farm, and some of us were finishing up the back gate when she arrived wearing a light brown t-shirt with ‘Exhaustipated (adj) Too tired to give a shit.’ in white print around a dark brown poo emoji image. Jonas started laughing first, then Eddie, and when I saw it I had to stop hammering or I would’ve likely hammered my own hand.

  “Grams, you’re going to get someone hurt wearing those,” I said as she offered a playful bow to the crew.

  “It’s my thing,” Grams said. “Much like procrastination is yours. Wasn’t this supposed to be done yesterday?”

  “It was too muddy to get the posts to set properly yesterday,” I reminded her. “But it’s about done now. Are you and the others going to be ready to weave the spells tonight?”

  “Of course. It is the full moon, after all. Aren’t you going to be there?”

  “No, I’ve got a shift tonight. With all of the unrest and the full moon, the Commander wants all hands on deck.”

  “So that’s why he’s not coming over tonight,” Grams said and sighed. “Oh, well. I’ve got plenty of D batteries.”

  Jonas shook his head and walked towards his truck to put his tools away.

  “Grams, come on. You need to be a little more discreet about those things,” I chided her.

  “Get over it, Sinclair. I’m a healthy woman in my prime with an active sex life and needs that must be fulfilled, be they by my lover or my battery-operated toys.”

  “At least it doesn’t have Block & Dexter on the side,” Eddie muttered as he walked behind me and I swear, I almost lost it again.

  “We’re gonna clean up here and I’ll stop by to pick up the charms for the cottage. Mira will be coming to the circle with her friend Leah, while her husband Tom watches the kids.”

  “I’ll put together something to help Tom keep the little ones occupied. See you shortly,” Grams said as she got into the ATV and headed back towards the house.

  “That lady is something else,” Jonas said with a laugh. “I adore her and am terrified of her, all at the same time.”

  “I know that feeling,” I said. “And she says she loves me.”

  Eddie laughed as the three of us loaded up and they dropped me at Grams before going to the barns and storing the tools.

  I left my muddy boots on the porch and stepped inside the Victorian farmhouse that served as home base for the Fortin clan.

  “Grams, I’m here,” I called out as I entered the kitchen.

  “No need to yell, I’m right here,” Grams replied as she pulled something out of the oven.

  “That smells amazing,” I said.

  “Good, because you’re taking it home with you. This one is for your house. The other one in there is for mine. Lasagna is always welcome, and even more so when one is rushing around with several demands on one’s time. Let me get it boxed up and you can take it right home to Mira.”

  “She’ll appreciate it. I texted her that I was done and would be home soon, and she said she wanted to talk about ordering pizza or something.”

  “This is better than pizza,” Grams said.

  “Most definitely,” I replied and took the container from her. “I’m sorry I can’t be here tonight, Grams.”

  “It’s okay, Sin. Mira will be here and her fae magic will help bolster and steady the witch magic we use tonight. Don’t forget the bag by the door with the charms.”

  “I know she’s safe here with you, so I won’t worry.” I leaned over and kissed Grams’ cheek. “Love you, Grandma. See you later, and thanks again.”

  Mira was grateful for the lasagna. I showered and ate with my family, with Reina making a mess as she ate her cut up bits of noodle and cheese.

  Ethan gave me a hug and tucked one of his little toy police cars into my pocket as I left. “This is His favorite car, Papa. As long as you have it, my Friend will keep an eye on you.”

  I kissed his cheek. “Thank you, Ethan. Having your friend watching over me makes me feel safer already.” And no, I wasn’t being facetious or just playing. See, Ethan was of the Light fae. While fae were all elemental magic users, the Light fae worked with spirit. While most kids had invisible friends that were simply imaginary, Ethan’s invisible friends were guardian spirits that he could see just fine even if I could not. He told me once that they liked certain toys, so if he wanted special friends around, he played with their favorites. This little police car was the favorite of a friend he called ‘Biggie’. Biggie seemed to be the one in charge of all of the other guardian spirits – at least as far as Mira and I had been able to figure out. She could see them, if they allowed her to, as beings of light and no real substance. Except for Biggie. He had more substance than the others.

  “You’re sending Biggie with me for tonight? Are you sure?” I asked Ethan.

  The little guy gave me a solemn nod. “He said you’d need him tonight.”

  “Thank you, Ethan – and tell Biggie I said thank you as well. I’ll keep the car safe.”

  “You has to, Papa. It’s his…thing. Um, thing to keep him with you. That thing,” Ethan struggled to find the words.

  “You mean, it’s his anchor?” I asked.

  “Yep, that’s it. Keeps him with you.”

  I buttoned the pocket in my uniform shirt that held the car. “There, now it won’t fall out. Love you, little man. I’ve got to go.”

  I kissed Reina now that Mira had washed her face, then kissed Mira, told her I loved her, and headed out. I always made sure to tell them all I loved them. Being a cop, you never knew what you might be walking into.

  We gathered in the parking lot of the hardware store - SPD and regular Belle Cove PD with vests, helmets, face shields, and charms to help deflect most of the magic. A shielded and warded box truck sat parked to the side that would act as our base of operations, coordinate the troops, and handle the video and audio.

  The Commander stood on the back of the truck and let out a whistle that brought all attention to him.

  “We have reports of groups gathering in the park and at the school parking lot. Teams two and four, go break those up and let us know if you need backup. The rest of you, go to your designated areas and stay in touch. Any group starts to be overwhelmed, call out. We’ll make sure you get support. All of you, stay safe out there. Everyone needs to be going home tonight.”

  I was on team one, so I stayed back with the others that were supposed to be in this part of the town and offer tactical support to the base truck.

  “Do you really think it’s going to blow up tonight?” I asked Tasha as we stood and peered into the evening shadows.

  “Intel from all over the area has pointed to tonight being when they’re going to strike,” Tasha replied.

  “Them who? Witches? Fae?” I asked.

  “The fae are securing themselves in several locations. Bast’s place and Finn’s are two of them. That’s why there are two teams near each one. Some have boarded up their homes and businesses, and moved back to the islands for the next few days until the full moon is over.”

  “I’m glad Sid is at the castle right now, and the Farm is reinforced against humans and magical beings. My parents have the estate secured and have brought a few of the Academy fae they’re friends with to stay there. They’re so far outside the city, though, that they should be fine.”

  Bastien Pascal was a friend of mine, and Finn was Prince Finn MacCumhaill of the fae, a cousin. Both had been welcomed in
to the family at large and had helped out the SPD more than once. It would also be very bad if a fae royal was harmed by witches. We’d have another Species War for sure.

  The groups that had gathered at the school and the park were dispersed without too much trouble. Three or four were arrested and taken to the Belle Cove PD to process before being transferred to the SPD cells that were spelled to hold supernaturals. Someone made coffee and passed cups around, but mostly we watched, listened, and waited.

  “The moon hits its apex at nine forty-five. If they’re going to do anything, it’ll be around then,” I said to Tasha.

  “That gives us about fifteen minutes. Bathroom break?” Tasha said.

  “Go ahead. I’m good.”

  I didn’t notice the fog at first.

  Tasha returned and frowned. “Is it getting foggy or is it just me adjusting from the inside lights?”

  “No, it’s getting foggy. Ground fog is rising.” I clicked my radio. “Guys, we’ve got ground fog rising. It’s not natural. Heads up.”

  “Roger that,” came back from several voices.

  Then I heard a voice that sounded like it was inside my head. “A group of nine to your three o’clock.”

  I started to speak, then realized it was Biggie. I tapped Tasha’s shoulder and pointed, and the rest of the team soon started to move.

  We surrounded them, and had them bound and hooded before they could finish their spell-casting. The hoods were magic-dampening and kept them from casting without us having to duct tape their mouths shut. It was disorienting, but it was less damaging to the perpetrators than the old way of cloth gags and rope.

  We thought the rest of the night would go like that. We were wrong. Calls started coming in from downtown Belle Cove of smashed windows, looting, and fighting. We split the team into a smaller one to protect the truck and a larger one to head down the street. I’ll never forget how surreal it all seemed. Smoke and glass, the smells of blood, anger, and fear all mingling with the stink of burning plastic and wood will never leave my memory. Tasha was at my side through most of it, but at one point I found myself chasing a form down an alley beside the ice cream shop on my own. The figure skidded to a stop and turned to face me and I felt my heart skip a beat.