Every Witch Way but Wicked

by Barbra Annino

  Orion looked at her, wagged his tail and then went back to sniffing. He seemed to think everything she said was simply hysterical, but not worth paying attention to. She strolled further into the yard, out from underneath the limbs of the trees, and looked up. There was Orion, the hunter, guarding over the night sky with his bow and arrow ready to defend his own.

  “Well then, Orion,” she said to the constellation. “Will you be defending me if I need it?”

  Suddenly a cold nose pushed its way into her hand. Orion stood next to her, his body positioned in front of her and his head tilted up to the sky. “So, do you see those stars up there?” she asked. “Those are Orion, the hunter. One of the bravest of the constellations. And you, me boyo, were named after him.”

  This time Orion didn’t wag his tail or loll his tongue. He looked up at the stars for a moment longer and then he turned to her. He laid his paw on her leg and stared into her eyes. She bent down on one knee and put her hands on either side of his face. “Are you pledging your fealty then?” she asked with a smile. “Will you be protecting me?”

  Orion stood up and wagged his tail.

  She brought his face next to hers and laid her cheek against the soft fur on his nose. “Thank you Orion,” she said. “I’ll be forever grateful.”

  She sat down next to him, put her arm about his large furry body and closed her eyes to absorb all the wonders of the night. She could smell that one of her neighbors was using their fireplace that night as the warm pungent smell of burning wood wafted through the air. She heard the owls that had made their homes high in the pine trees of her property call to each other. In the far distance she could even hear the lonely howl of a coyote.

  She leaned against Orion. “It’s peaceful here,” she said. “I didn’t think I could find a peaceful place outside of Ireland, but I could give my heart to this land.”

  Orion leaned over and licked her face. She moved away and wiped off her cheek. “None of that, boyo,” she said. “We haven’t even had a first date.”

  He stood, placed his mouth gently around her arm and tugged. “Oh, so it’s time to go in, is it?” she asked, standing and wiping the leaves off her jeans. “Are you missing your supper dish? Well, fine, if you insist.”

  Instead of dashing for the porch, as he generally did, Orion walked alongside Cassidy, sometimes even straying a little behind her. “Come along, slowpoke,” she called, “you were the one who was so anxious to be in.”

  He moved closer and walked with her as she entered the back of the house.

  “Are you sensing my nerves?” she asked. “Because you are certainly making me jumpy.”

  She walked through the house, Orion at her side, locking each door and checking every window to be sure her house was secure. Finally satisfied, she went upstairs to her bedroom.

  Regulus lay in the middle of the bed when Cassidy and Orion entered the room. With a quick leap, Orion was next to Regulus, tail wagging and nose exploring parts of Regulus he wasn’t accustomed to sharing. Regulus hissed his displeasure and swatted Orion’s nose. Orion yelped and retreated to the other side of the bed.

  “Now, you two,” Cassidy said. “Learn to play nicely.”

  She prepared for bed, changed into a camisole and yoga pants, and slipped in between the flannel sheets. She rolled over, switched the bedside lamp off and plunged the room into darkness. Slowly the darkness retreated slightly, as the light from the moon filtered in through the curtains and the night stars twinkled in the sky.

  She sighed contentedly and snuggled into her pillow. “Good night,” she whispered, and closed her eyes for a well-deserved rest.

  She felt Orion creep across the bed and lay next to her, his body pressed against hers. She reached out of the covers, patted his silky hair for a few minutes, and then her hand merely rested on his head as she fell asleep.

  The sun was sparkling through the red and gold leaves, making everything around her shimmer with light. The small brook that ran through her land sparkled brilliantly as it carried red and gold leaves downstream like tiny boats traveling to distant shores. The apple tree’s limbs were swollen with fruit and hung nearly to the ground. The wind carried the scent of apples and burning leaves.

  Cassidy wrapped her hand around an apple and was ready to pick it when she heard a footstep behind her. She quickly turned around and at first only saw the woods that surrounded her. Then he stepped from between the trees, as if he were one of the woodland animals. He was tall and lean and what she could see of his bronzed body was sculpted with strong muscle. His shirt was loose and made of coarse homespun wool; he wore buckskin breeches, leather suspenders and scarred leather boots. His hair was black and shoulder length, pulled back by a leather string.

  She stepped back and looked for a way to escape.

  “Please, I beg of you, don’t run away.”

  She paused. For some reason he seemed familiar to her and her heart told her he was safe. Stepping forward, she met his eyes. “Who are you?” she asked. “What are you doing on my land?”

  His mouth spread into a wide smile. “I see,” he said. “You are the current owner of this land.”

  He crossed his arms over his chest and shook his head.

  “Yes,” she said, now more annoyed than afraid. “Why do you find that so amusing?”

  “Things have certainly changed since my day,” he said. “No woman could own property.”

  “Change is a good thing. I own this land and, as you can see, I am a woman.”

  He studied her for a moment. “Yes, there is no doubt in my mind that you are indeed a woman.”

  She blushed. “That’s not what I meant.”

  Nodding, he chuckled. “I beg your pardon,” he said. “It’s been such a long time since I’ve had a conversation. I’ve been too bold.”

  “Perhaps you can start by introducing yourself,” she said.

  “Oh, how thoughtless of me,” he replied. “I’m Giles Bowen.”

  He bowed to her. “And may I ask your name, milady?”

  “I’m Cassidy Maguire,” she said, “Originally from Ireland.”

  “Ah, my family was originally from Wales.”

  “Where are you from now?” she asked

  “I’ve from here, but a long time ago,” he said. “I used to hunt in these wood—bear, deer, fox, beaver and even mountain lion. But I’ve not had that opportunity for over 300 years.”

  “My, that’s a long time,” Cassidy said. “Are you a ghost then?”

  He shrugged. “I feel like one,” he said. “It’s been so long, I can scarce remember how I came to be this way.”

  He reached over her shoulder and plucked an apple from the tree and handed it to her. “I believe I interrupted this,” he said.

  She bit into the crisp, juicy fruit. “Thank you,” she said. “It’s quite delicious. Would you like one?”

  He shook his head, though there was a twinkle in his eye. “No, I haven’t had much of an appetite for at least a hundred years now. But it keeps a man slim and trim.”

  She laughed and started walking down the narrow path through the trees toward her pasture land. “Do you always approach women in their dreams?”

  “It’s an interesting way to court, wouldn’t you say?” he replied, falling in step with her.

  “Aye, in my time we meet online or at bars or going on blind dates,” she said.

  “You meet men by standing on a line?” he asked. “And what kind of line would that be?”

  She laughed. “It’s difficult to explain. It’s a form of communication that allows people to have conversations through the written word and images, like portraits, without having to meet in person.”

  “So there is no hand holding and no dancing?” he asked. “It seems a foolish way to meet.”

  Nodding, she agreed. “You could be right.”

  “And explain these blind dates. Do you cover your eyes in order not to see the face of your companion?”

  Cassidy grinned. “N
o, but in some cases, that might be a very good plan. It means that someone you are acquainted with is also acquainted with another eligible person and they bring you together to meet.”

  “Ah, like a matchmaker,” he said.

  “Yes, very much like one,” she said with a grimace.

  “Ah, so you’ve fallen victim to them before?” he asked with a smile.

  “Well-meaning cousins,” she replied, taking another bite of the apple.

  “So, are the men here blind or is there a surfeit of beautiful women?”

  “I beg your pardon?” she asked.

  “You’ve hair of spun gold that has the fire of passion woven in it. You’ve eyes that remind a man of the sea just before a storm. You’ve skin as dewy and soft as cream and you’ve a shape…well, I best stop now,” he said. “Why would you have to go on blind dates?”

  She sighed. “Well, since this is just a dream, it can’t hurt to tell you the truth.”

  He nodded. “Who could I tell?”

  “Exactly,” she said. “You see, I’m a witch.”

  “Ah, so you have a bit of a temper?”

  Laughing, she shook her head. “No, I’m a real witch—you know, casting spells, riding broomsticks, turning frogs into princes,” she said.

  “Ah, well witchcraft was frowned upon in my day,” he said.

  “Well, it’s never been welcomed with open arms,” Cassidy replied dryly. “These days those who truly practice try to keep a low profile.”

  “And those who don’t truly practice?” he asked.

  “Ah, well, they’re often a little confused about what witchcraft really entails,” she explained. “How magic is part of everything around us and those who practice the craft use those elements for good.”

  “So there are no black witches any longer?”

  Cassidy stopped and turned to him. “Well, you do know a bit about witches, don’t you?”

  He nodded. “I, unfortunately, had a run in with one about 300 years ago,” he said with a wry smiled. “I believe I offended her.”

  He spread his arms out and bowed. “And thus, here I am today.”

  “You’re cursed?”

  He nodded.

  “Is that why you’re here? In my dreams?” she asked.

  “I’ve been waiting for a long time for someone to come here who could help me.”

  She sighed. “Well I’ll do what I can. But don’t get too hopeful.”

  “Why not?” he asked.

  “Because I’m not as talented as the other members in my family,” she said. “I can create wonderful things with herbs and plants, I can calm a child’s hacking cough or a young girl’s broken heart. But I can’t do all those important things the other members of my family can do.”

  She bent her head down. “I’m so sorry.”

  He moved in front of her and placed his hand under her chin, gently lifted her face up.

  “Isn’t what you create important magic for those you help?” he asked. “Don’t you think they feel the benefits of your talent?”

  She sighed. “Yes. Yes, they do,” she said.

  He rubbed his thumb alongside her mouth. “Then smile,” he said. “There’s a reason you came here and we met.”

  She smiled. “And I’m just feeling sorry for myself. So you’ll have to forgive me.”

  He smiled. “There’s nothing to forgive.”

  Cassidy heard thunder in the distance and looked up to find the sky filling with clouds.

  “That doesn’t look good,” Giles said. “You need to get home before the storm hits.”

  “Aye,” she said. “It was nice meeting you, Giles.”

  “And you too, Cassidy,” he replied.

  Another clap of thunder shook the ground. She started to turn, but he caught her hand and turned her back to him. His eyes were clouded now, and he was looking into the distance. He finally looked down at her. “Be wary, Cassidy. There’s danger ahead.”

  Cassidy sat up in bed as a loud crack of thunder shook the house. Orion lay sound asleep next to her, his paws twitching in a canine dream. “I’ll bet you my dream was better than yours,” she whispered to him.

  She pulled her knees up and wrapped her arms around her legs, listening to the sounds of the storm.

  There’s danger ahead.

  She shivered. First her mother’s call and now this strange dream. Could Benjamin really be coming to find her or was there something else coming her way?

  Chapter Four

  The next morning, the first thing Cassidy did was call for reinforcements.

  “Hello, Sheriff Lund. This is Cassidy Maguire. Aye, I bought the old Peterson farm. I’m calling with a bit of a worry and I wanted to let you know about it,” she explained. “Back in Ireland, I found someone was trying to use my company, especially my shipping faculties, to traffic drugs to the United States. I called the authorities and testified against the man. He wasn’t too pleased about it.”

  She took a deep breath. “I’ve just learned he’s escaped from confinement and they don’t know his whereabouts,” she continued. “I know I’m a long way from Ireland now. But he vowed he would make me pay before they carted him off to jail. It hasn’t been but six months since he was sent away. I don’t think he’s forgotten his promise.”

  The sheriff assured her they would pull the information about Benjamin Cleary and distribute it throughout the department as well as departments in the area. He also promised extra patrols throughout the day and evening. She hung up with him feeling reassured the local constabulary was going to do all in their power to see she was safe.

  But that was not enough.

  She picked up her cell and placed an international call to her cousin, Fiona, in Dublin.

  “Fiona, blessed be,” she said. “Do you have a few moments for your cousin?”

  She walked into the kitchen, cell phone against her ear, and nodded. “Aye, Ma told me he’d escaped,” she said. “That’s why I’m calling you. I’d like to try my hand at a bit of divination.”

  She held the phone away from her ear for a moment, waiting for the cheery laughter to subside. “Oh, and you wonder why my self-esteem has always been so low,” she teased. “I know I’ve not your hand at it, but I feel I must try. I’ve had several warnings and I want to be as prepared as I can.”

  She walked over to her large cupboard. “I’ve a large assortment of stainless steel mixing bowls,” she said, reviewing the contents of her shelves. “But I’m sorry to say I’ve not a cauldron among the lot of them. Okay, I’ll take out the largest.”

  She reached in and pulled the largest bowl from the bottom of the pile. “Now what?”

  She carried the bowl to the sink, filled it half-full with cold water and then picked it up. Orion ran over to her and tried to jump up at the bowl.

  “No, Orion, you have your own water,” she said. “This is for me. Stay down.”

  She carefully balanced the water, avoiding tripping over the dog, and placed it in the middle of the island. “Okay, Fiona, I have it. What’s next?”

  She listened for a moment. “Aye, I have all of that.”

  She opened a jar on the counter that held dried marigold petals and sprinkled them into the water. Then she pulled some dried thyme in an incense burner and put a match to it. The pungent smell filled the room quickly. She went to a small cabinet and took two purple candles from a long narrow box and placed them in two crystal candleholders. She lit the candles, pulled the curtains closed and sat on a stool next to the island so she could gaze into the water.

  “It’s all done now, Fiona,” she said. “What happens next?”

  She grabbed a notepad out of the drawer and wrote down the words to the incantation. “Aye, I’ll call you if I need more help,” she said. “Thank you so much. Blessed be, cousin.”

  She put the piece of paper down in front of her and took a deep breath. Orion shoved his head in her lap and whined. “Orion, I have to do this,” she said. “I have to try to see what
’s coming.”

  She gently shoved him away. “Sit,” she commanded, and was a little surprised when he obeyed.

  She looked at the piece of paper and then stared into the water. Fiona told her that she had to stare through the water to the bottom of the bowl in order to see her answer.

  “Okay, here goes,” she said. “Into the threads of time I seek a glimpse of what will be. I ask not for gain or wealth with this boon of prophecy.”

  She nearly fell off the stool when the waters in the bowl began to swirl around, the marigold petals moving to the edges, and a picture formed in the bottom.

  “It’s working,” she whispered.

  She leaned closer.

  There was the orchard. She could see the lines of apple trees, the raspberry bushes against the fence line and the grape arbors on the southern hill. However, there was something odd about the vision. It was dark outside, but the trees were casting shadows on the ground.

  She could see the chicken coop. Everything was secure for the night and the chickens were quiet. No problems there.

  She was moving toward the house. The kitchen light was on, blazing through the back window. She got closer to the house, when the wind became still and the night sounds became hushed. She moved slower now. She placed her hand on the porch rail and started to climb up the stairs when she saw a shadow move past the window.

  He was in her house. She felt inside her jacket for her phone, and realized she had left it on the island in the kitchen. Then she heard the sound that made her blood run chill.

  Orion barking.

  She must have left him in the house. She ran up the steps, her legs laden by invisible weights. She pulled herself across the porch, her hand outstretched to the door. She heard a loud crack, like thunder. But there was no rain. She heard the sound again, but this time she knew…

  She pushed open the door. Orion was lying on the floor.

  “No!” she screamed and pushed the bowl away. The water lapped over the side onto the counter and the vision was gone.

  Orion pushed his nose into her hand and she slipped off the stool and put her arms around him, sobbing into his coat. “This isn’t going to happen,” she vowed. “We’ll make a plan. We’ll barricade the house and I won’t let you out of my sight.”