Coon Hollow Coven Tales 1-3

by Marsha A. Moore

“That might—” Vika’s words were interrupted by Siddie’s thick tail whacking her face.

  “Mistress, remember Cerise,” the cat said and curved her tail around her side.

  “Why, yes. Thank you, sweet one.”

  “I know Cerise,” Jancie said.

  “You do?” Vika’s gaze fixed on her.

  “I met her in town and then at the carnival we talked. She said I seem familiar to her, like she’s met me before.”

  “Interesting.” Vika placed a hand on Jancie’s forearm. “We might be onto something. Cerise has cousins that are witches at New Wish, in-laws, not by blood. She goes there often enough to know some about their magic.”

  “Do you think she’ll take me there?”

  “I wouldn’t doubt. She’s a nice woman, always glad to help out. And she already knows you. Maybe your aunt can go along.”

  Jancie nodded. “I’d like that.”

  “Before you go, we need to unlock your deep memories. Hopefully, we can stir up some basic knowledge of New Wish witchcraft from your mother, either things she taught you or abilities you inherited. Since her spirit is strong in her garden, I’ll help you form a plant ally.”

  Jancie pushed back from the table. “I’m ready.”

  Vika’s smile grew, and her cheeks pushed up wrinkles that nearly swallowed her eyes. She rummaged in one of her baskets at the far end of the table and pulled out a pint amber bottle. “You’re going to be a right good witch, no matter what magic you use. Let’s head out to the garden.”

  Outside, Vika motioned Jancie to sit beside the herb garden.

  Siddie curled into the folds of her mistress’s full skirt.

  Vika waved across the garden and faced Jancie. “Is there a particular plant here that’s your favorite or one you seem to check whenever you come here?”

  Jancie surveyed the bed. “The peppermint. It’s always sending runners to take over new areas which I find interesting. Also, Mom used it in so many ways in our home, which makes it special.”

  The old witch nodded. “Good. It sounds like that plant would be very willing to become your magical ally. It may even help you remember some of your mother’s New Wish practices. I’ll lead you through the ritual. New Wish magic is based on elements of nature. We’ll test how you react to different wind energies from the four compass directions. If we read nothing, then we’ll try other element connections. Remember, you are safe here with your mother’s spirit watching over you. That will help you keep your mind clear and focused.”

  Jancie tugged at the knees of her leggings and to be more comfortable.

  “Ground yourself and come into your senses. Sit with the peppermint plant for a while. Use your senses to observe it. All of your senses—to look, listen, smell, touch, and even taste a leaf.” Vika un-stoppered the amber bottle and held it out to Jancie. “Sprinkle a few drops of these waters of the world at the plant’s base as an offering.”

  The dirt around the plant seemed to soak up the dribble of water like parched desert soil, even though it had recently rained.

  “Now sit still, breathe deep, and close your eyes.” After a moment, Vika’s warm voice continued. “Picture the mint in your mind’s eye, and ask permission to enter it and make alliance with it.”

  Jancie envisioned the peppermint and murmured, “May I enter your roots, stems, and leaves to make alliance with you?”

  A waft of the plant’s crisp scent answered her request, and she grinned.

  “If you sense the answer is yes,” Vika’s voice lifted with a smile Jancie easily imagined, “then imagine the mint growing larger and larger. When it’s larger than you are, imagine a magic door opens to you. Step inside the plant.”

  Jancie felt like she swam in a fragrant bath of minted water.

  “Take a deep breath. Turn to the east inside your plant and notice what you see, hear, feel, touch, and taste.”

  “The air is fresh and clean and makes me feel strong and renewed,” Jancie observed, eyes still closed.

  “Now take another breath. Turn to the south inside your plant. Observe what you sense.” Vika’s voice was calm and supportive.

  Jancie touched a hand to her cheek. “My face feels warm and alive, like when sunshine kisses your skin.” A gentle current of warm air passed over her arms and shoulders, and she recognized her mother’s spirit. Jancie swayed into the energy. Wispy remembrances of carefree summer days playing with the south wind appeared, how she used to alter its path with moments of her fingers. The vision from her childhood disappeared, but how she altered the wind’s course remained. It was her power and had always been.

  “Again, take another deep breath before you turn to the west inside your plant. Observe all there is to know.”

  Reluctant to move away from the touch of her mother’s spirit, Jancie took her time turning. A light mist cooled the previous warmth. Her eyes dampened with more than the collecting dew. Words would not come to describe the growing feeling of loss. Yet traces of her mother’s warmth clung to her shoulders, and Jancie held onto that.

  “Now take another breath.” Vika’s spoke slow and clear. “Turn to the north and experience from your position inside the mint what you sense.”

  Jancie shivered. “I feel empty.” Her voice broke, and her teeth chattered. “Icy cold. My stomach is knotting with anger, jealousy, and envy.” Tormented, she trembled from head to toe, unable to feel her mother’s warmth at all. A scream rose from the base of her throat.

  “Stay with the feeling. Keep your eyes closed,” Vika said.

  Jancie hunched, the darkness threatening to consume her. Her mother’s ring was the only detectible warmth. She clutched her opposite hand over it, and in one motion threw her chest and shoulders back. As her neck and head lifted, her mouth opened. A scream spewed from so deep, it felt like she’d retched her lungs. The moment her outpouring ended, her mother’s blanket wrapped her entire torso in a secure hug. Jancie sank back, exhausted.

  Vika stirred beside her. “Now take one more deep breath and turn to the center inside your plant. Notice what is there. Explore the world inside your plant.”

  Jancie wanted to open her eyes and break from the trance, but Vika’s calming suggestion helped to push her forward. A minty smell again tickled Jancie’s nose, and she took a deep, revitalizing inhale. She sensed both the peppermint and her mother supporting her. The world inside the plant glowed green behind her eyelids.

  “Ask the plant to make itself known and to speak to you,” Vika directed.

  Jancie flashed a happy smile. “It already has.”

  “Ask if it has information for you. Take the time you need to listen and learn.”

  Peppermint, what can you teach me? A moment later, a tiny female voice answered inside Jancie’s mind.

  “You’re a strong south wind witch like your mother, but do not fear using powers of other winds for more strength. Keep my leaves with you always. This is my and your mother’s wish alike. Then, both of us can help you, like we did today.”

  How do I contact you? Jancie asked.

  “Touch the leaves or think of me, and I’ll be with you,” the small voice replied.

  Jancie nodded. “I’ve heard its lesson,” she said to Vika.

  “Ask if there is an offering you can make or some way you can give back to the plant spirit,” Vika continued.

  How can I repay you? Jancie asked the mint.

  The voice giggled, like the tinkle of sleigh bells. Jancie imagined a faery. “Keep me healthy and strong like you already have,” the mint faery said.

  I will. Thank you so much. And thank my mother too, if you can.

  “She heard and smiles with me.”

  Jancie squirmed, too excited to sit still, a huge smile crossing her face.

  Vika let out a laugh. “Let’s get finished. Turn to the center and say goodbye and thanks. Turn to the north and say goodbye and thanks. Turn to the west and do the same. And to the south. And east. Remembering your anchor, say goodbye to the mi
nt plant, and find your way out through the magic door. Close it behind you. See and feel the plant becoming smaller and smaller, until it is back to its normal size.” Vika sucked in a deep breath. “Open your eyes. Breathe. Stretch. Say your name out loud, clap your hands three times, and thank all you’ve invoked.”

  “Jancie Sadler, my name is Jancie Sadler, witch of the south wind.” After three claps, Jancie stood and spun in circles, arms out, laughing.

  “Well, well.” Vika worked to stand and opened her arms to Jancie. “What did you learn?”

  Jancie recounted the lesson, including feelings which had been too intense to describe earlier. “Was that a faery talking to me?”

  Vika shook her head with a grin. “Land sakes, talking with a plant’s faery. My plant allies only send me images. You tasted the winds and how they affect your base power. And you know how to call upon your allies, the mint fae and your mother’s spirit.” The old witch patted Jancie’s shoulder. “You did good.”

  Jancie kissed the old lady’s fuzzy cheek. “Thank you, Vika. You knew just how to help me. Can I fix you some lunch?” She bent and picked a sprig of mint and placed it in her jeans pocket.

  “That sounds lovely, my dear.” The old witch glanced at her cat brushing against her calves encased in support hose. “And something for Siddie, too?”

  “Of course.” Jancie smiled and took Vika by the arm. They made their way into the house with the Maine Coon purring underfoot.

  ***

  Jancie wiped her wet hands on her leggings and opened to door to greet Rowe. “Come on in. We’re just finishing washing up.”

  “How’d it go?” He looked at her, brows lifted.

  “Great! Can you believe I have both Coon Hollow and New Wish witch lineage? I was blown away to find out. Vika found the moonstone contains New Wish magic. She helped me form a plant ally, and with that we learned what type of New Wish magic I have.” Her hands flew around as she talked and led him to the kitchen. Jancie hoped the amazing details she and Vika had discovered would warm him up to being involved with her again.

  “Wow! That is incredible.” He worked to hide a smile and moved to the sink counter where Vika dried a pan. He hugged his old friend from behind and kissed her white head. “You’re amazing. How did you do that much in just a few hours?”

  She looked over her shoulder at him, a twinkle in her eye. “It’s all about picking the right path for the right job. That’s all.”

  “And knowing lots of magic, so you can pick that correct path,” he added. “It smells great in here. You had time for a nice lunch. I’m jealous.”

  “Jancie sure knows how to cook. If you’d stayed around like she asked, you could have had her tasty lunch too,” Vika snapped back.

  Jancie smiled, glad the old lady took up her cause to get Rowe to change his mind, or at least feel guilty about his bad choice.

  “I know.” He shook his head. “So what did you learn?”

  “More than just having witch blood, Jancie’s connected to the south wind. That makes her a witch and a strong one at that. She learned a bit about how to use powers from that wind and also the others.”

  He looked at Jancie who sudsed a pan. “That is difficult. Nothing I can do.”

  “You’re a Coon Hollow animator, and she’s a New Wish witch using wind magic. Apples and oranges. Both good.” Vika accepted the wet pan to dry. “I did learn that the moonstone has a lot of New Wish magic attached to it.”

  “Is that why it won’t come off?” He asked Jancie.

  “Perhaps. I need to visit a New Wish witch to learn more. We’re hoping Cerise will take me into the coven down south. Aunt Starla would be a big help too, since she went there many times when Mom and Gran lived there.”

  Lines formed across Rowe’s forehead. “I hope they welcome you there.”

  Vika hung the dishtowel out to dry. “Jancie, I’ll contact Cerise, and you discuss the idea with your aunt. I’d like to tag along. If they don’t mind, I’m a good bit curious.”

  Rowe sighed. “More reason for me to worry.”

  “Let me add to that load.” Vika gave a dry chuckle. “While the Coon Hollow enchantment on the moonstone is about love to ease loss of a loved one, the New Wish spell is directly related to romantic love. You may still be tied to that gem, even though you’re doing your best to hide your feelings for Jancie.”

  Jancie held her breath and watched Rowe, hoping the confrontation would break his resolve to stay apart from her.

  “And hidden they will remain for everyone’s safety.” He picked up two of Vika’s baskets and took a step toward the kitchen doorway. “Vika, are you ready to leave?”

  “Soon enough.” The old lady packed the empty amber water bottle into a third basket. “While your reasons are just, the moonstone may call your hand.” She turned to Jancie. “Thank you for a wonderful day. Watching you blossom into a fine and good witch is a blessing for me.” She touched both hands to her heart. “It warms me here. Thank you.”

  Jancie stepped close and pulled Vika into an embrace. “Thank you for everything, helping me learn about myself. I’ll be in touch about our trip. I want you to be with me at New Wish.” She pulled away and gave an awkward wave to Rowe.

  A grin lifted the corners of his mouth, then he looked down at the baskets and the grin was gone.

  Jancie hugged her arms over her chest to ward off the emptiness she felt.

  Vika patted her shoulder as she stepped onto the front porch after Rowe. “It’ll all work out. Don’t worry.”

  Jancie watched them leave. Again, a knot formed in her stomach. Every time his black sedan pulled out of her driveway, it felt like she’d never see him again.

  ***

  Outside of her father’s house, dusk had settled. A chill breeze made Jancie shake. The cold slithered inside her jacket collar, sending icy fingers of anger, dread, and blame down her spine. The calling cards of Adara’s north wind. Jancie worked a finger into her jeans pocket to touch the peppermint leaves. At once, her resolve strengthened, and she fought off the darkness. With an open mind, she stepped to the front door, prepared to hear whatever Dad had to say.

  Her step-mother Heather opened the door. “Jancie! Come on in where it’s warmer. Winter’s a comin’. Have a seat.” She motioned to the couch. “Did you eat already? If not, I can whip up something for you.”

  “No, I’m fine. Thanks.” Jancie perched on the edge of a seat cushion.

  “Maybe some coffee or pop?”

  Jancie wondered when the woman would remember that she never drank coffee. “I’ll have a diet.”

  Heather called back from the kitchen. “Dwayne was so happy to get your text about coming over. He had to run out to check on something at the shop. He should be back any minute.”

  Jancie placed a hand over the pocket holding the mint leaves. She needed all the help she could get to remain level-headed.

  “Here you go.” Heather placed the pop on a side table next to Jancie as the front door opened. “Hi, hon. I made a fresh pot of coffee if you’re wanting some.”

  “Yeah, thanks.” Dad gave Jancie a cautious glance. Dark circles rimmed his eyes, and his face looked pale. When he peeled off his jacket, she caught a wave of energy she now recognized as Adara’s north wind. Had he been to see the high priestess this evening? Had he rekindled a relationship with her?

  Jancie shivered and pushed those thoughts aside.

  “I’m glad you decided to come after all.” He accepted a steaming mug from his wife and took a seat in the nearby reclining chair.

  Jancie nodded and took a sip of her pop, trying to hold her tongue and wait for him to talk.

  Heather perched half of her wide butt on the arm of his recliner.

  He placed the mug on the table and leaned toward Jancie. “Honey, it’s not what you think. I did date Adara back before I met your mother. Adara and I were out cruising one summer night and, well, we’d had a few too many. I was driving. We hit her brother’s car, and h
e and Adara’s oldest sister died in that accident.” He ran a hand through his gray hair. “I’d killed two of the high priestess’s kids. I panicked. Either Grizela Tabard or the sheriff was gonna ruin my life.” He looked at Jancie.

  She swallowed, aware he waited on her response. “That was a bad situation.”

  “One of my buddies told me about a girl in our math class who was a different sort of witch. He’d been out with her a few times, but it didn’t work out. He thought she might be able to help me. I was desperate. Grizela had made threats.”

  “Did Grizela do anything to you?” Jancie asked.

  He shook his head. “But the rumors were flying. I thought about dropping out of school and leaving town.” He leaned forward, elbows against his knees. “The girl from math class was your mother. She and I dated on and off, and the threats from Grizela stopped. Faye and I never talked about what had happened or her own witchcraft. We didn’t share that much. But I sure was relieved that knowing her protected me. Before Faye, I thought my life was gonna to end.” He looked down at his clasped hands. Usually clean, his nails were ringed with stains of motor grease. “Seemed like no time and she was pregnant with you. I thanked my lucky stars.”

  “You got Mom pregnant to keep Grizela from hurting you?” The words slipped out of Jancie’s mouth before she could catch them.

  Dad reached a hand out to Jancie, but she folded her arms across her chest. “It wasn’t like that. I loved your mother,” he pleaded.

  Heat flooded Jancie’s face, and she snapped, “Why’d you leave her then?”

  He sat up and hurled words at her. “’Cause she started trying to teach you to be a witch. You were mine. Even though I loved Faye and she was a good witch, I couldn’t stand for that. Not after what I’d been through. And she knew it.” He stared through Jancie, his pupils beady, nostrils flaring. “That’s why I keep you from them witches. You’re my daughter.”

  “I can understand how scared you must’ve been after that accident.” Jancie took a deep breath and stood to leave. “But you don’t own me. If you’re really worried about me having the same problems you did, don’t.” Her voice shook as the words formed in her mind. “I have blood from both our coven here and the one in New Wish. Dad, I’m a witch.” Hot tears welled in her eyes, from anger at his attempt to control her, and from shame that being a witch didn’t please him.