The Witch of the Western Gate: Dragon's Gift

by P. K. Brent

  "It would definitely teach her a lesson," agreed Stella.

  "Would she have done that by now, if she was a werewolf? Had her first change?" asked Stella.

  "I'm not sure," replied Blue. I know that it starts for boys around age 12. That's how it was for Rafe. Ivy is 14. She turns 15 next month. Maybe she's a little slow being so skinny, or maybe it won't happen at all."

  "You said her hearing is really good."

  "Like radar," replied Blue.

  "What else does she do that's a werewolf trait?"

  "Well, she is a terrific athlete. Crazy fast runner. She eats constantly and is skinny as a rail. Her sense of smell is abnormally good. She could smell Took in the car that day I took him home and she complained that the car smelled like fish. She's always complaining about a smell. Maybe she'll just stop at having a great sense of smell and hearing and never having to watch what she eats. I hope that's all that happens to her," Blue replied seriously.

  "I don't think Ivy could handle going furry. She'd have a total breakdown. I’m starting to think you might be right about why Uncle Basil moved back here. At least here, if Ivy did to furry, she would have some clan support and a place to run."

  "I'm glad you didn't go furry Blue," pointed out Stella. That would be just one more thing to worry about."

  "You said it," replied Blue. It's actually pretty cool that I can turn my left hand furry, though the Paranormal Council doesn't know and I'd like to keep it that way. I can do it at will, it's not tied with the moon and going furry crazy. It is not uncommon for wolven and witches to intermarry, better than marrying a mundane, but usually the offspring takes after either one side or the other. I’m lucky to get the furry hand."

  "Your McChesney side is interesting too," said Stella. "Your grandma told me that Escarpment Witches married into my family once, way, way, way back. That's probably where my necromancer talent comes from."

  "Or maybe having witch blood helped amplify it," replied Blue. Because necromancer talent runs in your family and is far different than being a witch. It's far more rare than witch talent."

  Blue and Stella arrived at the office Building at the corner of Main and Chestnut where Ivy, Uncle Basil, and Aunt Elizabeth lived in their luxury penthouse apartment. The building had once been a Masonic Lodge and there were masonic symbols engraved all around the top. Numerous businesses were housed throughout the building. There was a main lobby and elevators accessed via the main doors. Also there was a small door at the side of the building with a private elevator for the use of Uncle Basil and his family alone. Blue pushed the intercom button. No one answered at first....

  "Shouldn't we go?" asked Stella. "We'll be late if we keep waiting here."

  "I know," replied Blue. "But I don't want Ivy to have to walk into school alone her first day. I wonder what's keeping her?" Finally Aunt Elizabeth answered, "Hello?"

  "Hi Aunt Elizabeth, this is Blue looking for Ivy."

  "Oh, hi Blue. Sorry to keep you waiting; I was in the shower. Ivy already left for school. A couple friends of hers stopped by to get her twenty minutes ago.

  "Oh, OK," replied Blue. "I'll catch up with her later at school."

  "Well, how do you like that?" Blue turned to Stella.

  "Figures she would stiff us," replied Stella. "We're nice enough to walk Ivy to school her first day in a new place and she takes off with other girls."

  "More popular ones of course," giggled Blue. "Ones that can do more to advance her on the social scene."

  " More popular, far meaner and dumb as stumps," replied Stella. Stella was determined to be cum laude in high school. Blue was no slump academically and expected to graduate in the top 10 for the class.

  "Ivy is actually bright," Blue confided. "It's just that grades are not her priority. She's happy to slide by with an 80 or 85 average. She's a terrific athlete too."

  "So she's gorgeous, smart, athletic and rich. Life must be rough," replied Stella. If I took her seriously, I'd be jealous".

  "Look at the time!" said Blue. "Even if we run we won't make the bell."

  "Detention thanks to Ivy. Figures," said Blue. They started running anyway.

  "I'm sure to turn an ankle on this ice," panted Blue. Just then Blue heard a horn honk and turned to see the Buggymobile. A strange young woman with long dark hair parted in the middle was riding in the front passenger seat. “It’s Grandpa Lou to the rescue!" Blue pulled open a door and jumped into the rear seat, Ivy right behind her.

  "So glad you saved us, Grandpa! Maybe we won't get detention afterall. We tried to pick up Ivy but she had already left and Aunt Elizabeth was in the shower and didn't answer," Blue gasped.

  "No problem," replied Grandpa Lou calmly. "I drove into town to drop off Raveen, and I have a raccoon job in the Canalside boat repair warehouse. Glad I saw you. Raveen this is my granddaughter Blue and her friend Stella. Girls this is Raveen Moon. She is friend to Ironwolf Clan, and will be staying at Aunt Violet’s for a few days."

  “Heh,” said Raveen, touching her forehead in formal wolven greeting.

  “Hi,” replied Ivy. She and Stella also gave the greeting back. Once inside the truck, Blue could see that the young woman Raveen was heavily pregnant. She felt it rude to stare or ask personal questions, but felt it rude not to acknowledge the baby.

  "When are you due?" asked Blue.

  "Soon," replied Raveen, abruptly.

  Raveen’s eyes narrowed and she glared at Stella. A low growl emerged from her throat. “Are you the spirit girl?”

  “Huh? The what?” asked Stella.

  “I heard that she is a dark one, as are you, so I thought you were she – the spirit girl.”

  “Well, perhaps I am, though really, I don't really talk about that, regardless of what you may have heard,” Stella replied.

  “I see. I didn't actually hear much, but you match the description. I suppose you are the one I’m competing with,” replied Raveen, nodding. “I don’t see why he would choose you over me. You’re alright, but I am more beautiful." Raveen bared her teeth at Stella.

  “Who? What? Raveen, stop making teeth at me, and what on earth are you talking about?” asked Stella.

  “As if you don’t know,” replied Raveen. “Talon of course. I thought he was going to choose me, but then he had a vision and left me for the spirit girl.”

  “Talon?” asked Stella.

  “The boy you met the other night,” filled in Blue. “You know, Rafe and Brando’s cousin. I can’t believe you keep forgetting his name.”

  “Oh, him!” replied Stella. “Uh, Raveen, I just met the guy. I didn’t steal him from you. I don’t even know him. Hardly.” Raveen's eyes narrowed as she assessed Stella.

  “The fact that you are innocent is the only thing that saves you from my immediate wrath,” replied Raveen, also glancing at Uncle Lou. “If you had purposefully stolen him, then I would make you feel sorry.”

  “Don’t be angry with me,” replied Stella. “I have not stolen anything from you.”

  “It both is and is not your fault that he left me. He saw you in a vision and came here, so it is your fault that you exist, even though you did nothing intentionally to steal him.”

  “I can't help it that I exist, and I don’t even want him,” replied Stella. “I certainly didn’t steal anyone or anything from you. Frankly, I don’t appreciate hearing about your wrath either. You’re being very rude.”

  Raveen turned her head away, now ignoring Stella.

  “I’m glad you girls are talking it out, about Talon. Just remember, love can’t be forced, and neither can it be denied.” Grandpa Lou pulled up in front of the high school and the Buggymobile gave off a loud, smoky bang. Since it ran on magical aether, like the mechanical cockroaches, it sometimes acted up around large crowds of mundane folk. All the kids lingering outside looked over and a few started to giggle at the buggymobile.

  "One more thing, Raveen, in case it is not clear to you, Stella is under the protection of myself and the Iron Wol
f Clan."

  "You favor her as a prospective mate for Talon over me!"

  "Nothing to do with that. Stop jumping to conclusions. You must control your emotions. Stella has been under our protection long before Talon arrived here, due to her friendship with our Clan and other associates." Grandpa Lou looked over at Blue.

  "Stella is not to be harrassed or harmed in any way by you or anyone else. If there is choosing to do, let Talon do it. But remember, Stella has her choices to make as well, and she may not accept him as a suitor."

  Raveen looked somber and turned away from Blue and Stella as they clambered out of the Buggymobile.

  “By Papa, thanks for the ride,” said Blue, subtly giving Grandpa Lou and Raveen the werewolf salutation, as did Stella.

  Blue could see Ivy chatting with a group of popular kids. Two of the girls belonged to the local country club so Ivy already knew them from there. One of the boys in their circle, Kevin Moore, hollered at Blue as she walked past, “Catch any rats lately witchy girl?”

  This was followed by the usual guffaws and giggle. Ivy turned her back, pretending not to see Blue and Stella. They ignored her right back. As Blue and Stella were walking past they saw Brandon Wheatfield, Co-Captain of the football team, look Ivy over from head to toe.

  "Not bad, not bad, except she's flat as a board," he finished, in a cutting tone.

  Ivy didn't miss a beat. She barely glanced at Brandon, as though he were beneath her notice, and pronounced "At least I'm not a big boob like you. Then she turned and gave him an amazing smile, her blonde hair glittering in the sunlight." Brandon stopped in his tracks, mouth hanging open.

  Stella and Blue scuttled into the school, hands over their mouths to stop the giggles.

  "That Brandon is such an idiot," said Blue.

  "I hate to do it," said Stella. "But I have to give Ivy credit where credit is due. Not only does she have nerves of steel, even on her first day in a new school, but she sure knows how to put that mean streak of hers to good use. At the same time, Brandon Wheatfield now adores her."

  "Yes she does know how to work it," said Blue, admiringly. "I don't think I've ever heard anyone put Brandon Wheatfield in his place. That was rich," asked Stella. “Why do you think she blew us off this morning when we went to pick her up?”

  "My guess is she thinks we're bumpkins."

  "Bumpkins? Does anyone even say bumpkin anymore?"

  "I think Ivy does," replied Blue. She doesn't like moving here. She doesn't like the country. She hates the Buggymobile."

  "She clearly doesn't think much of us either," replied Stella. "Didn't even say 'hi' or apologize for blowing us off. Didn't even try to make up an excuse. She simply doesn't care that she used us. You know, I think you are right about Ivy afterall," said Stella.

  "Finally, you start to see it as I do," replied Blue

  "The part I don't understand," said Stella, "Is how Ivy puts herself higher than us, thinking that she's more sophisticated and more cultured, because she comes from a big city, and Uncle Basil has money. Then it turns out she is so intolerant and rude to other people. Doesn't sound very cultured to me."

  "I agree," replied Blue. "I think we underestimate just how irrational most people are. I also find it interesting how you always change the subject whenever Talon is mentioned. Don't think I don't notice."

  "It's just overwhelming to have all this thrown in my face so suddenly and to hear people talking about courtships. I mean, really, I'm not even thinking of the spring dance yet. I don’t want anything serious with a boy until I’m in college. It’s just all too much."

  "I know what you mean," replied Blue.

  "Blue, come see me tonight around 7:00. We'll talk some more. I'll have to work parking for a wake, but after that I'm free."

  Chapter 10

  Next stop was Aunt Violet’s. Grandpa Lou pulled up in front of The Grey Owl shop.

  “Here we are! He and Raveen got out of the car and walked in. Raveen was immediately taken back by the delicious smells of herbs and fresh baked goods.

  “Pop, you look well this morning,” greeted Violet, kissing him on the cheek. Raveen looked on curiously.

  “Have some coffee with me, if you have time, the raspberry scones are just coming out of the oven.”

  “Sure,” replied Grandpa Lou.

  “You must be the young woman Momma, er I mean Grandma Lily called me about last night,” said Aunt Violet, turning to Raveen.

  “Yes, I’m Raveen Moon.” Raveen gave the werewolf greeting to Aunt Violet.

  “I thank you for your hospitality. I have a personal matter to clear up, then I will be on my way.”

  “I’m happy to help. You're welcome to stay with me until your baby is born and your personal matter is resolved. I offer the protection of the Escarpment Witches,” replied Aunt Violet, bowing slightly.

  "I thank you," nodded Raveen.

  "Also, I offer you my protection and that of Iron Wolf Clan," said Grandpa Lou.

  "Really?"

  "Of course! You are here on our territory as a guest, and as a member of an important allied clan. We will ensure your safety and wish you good fortune."

  "Thank you," replied Raveen simply.

  “Today is one of my days off from being a visiting nurse, so I’m here in the shop all day. Have some coffee Papa, and hot cocoa with extra milk for you Raveen,” offered Aunt Violet. The three sat down and enjoyed fresh coffee and scones at a sunny table, where the winter sun shining through the window was bright and warm. Grandpa Lou left to go about his business and the rest of the day Aunt Violet and Raveen busily worked around the shop. Raveen had many questions about the Mantooth family and the Escarpment Witches.

  "So, I know your mother, Grandma Lily is a witch and married to a Wolven. But what relationship does the Escarpment witches they have with the Mantooth family?"

  "Theres always been an unofficial alliance between the Mantooth and the Escarpment Witches," Aunt Violet explained. "Each group has lived on the same patch of neighboring farmland for many generations, the only two houses down Smokey Hollow Road, which dead-ends at little Myrtle Grove Cemetery."

  "Why would the Wolven suffer Witches so close by? Usually we dislike any but our own kind."

  Aunt Violet laughed, "Clearly Grandpa Lou found something to suffer about a Witch, since he married one and they had three children." Then she became serious. "I would guess that originally the relationship between the wolven and the escarpment witches was mutually beneficial. The Witches set up wards to keep prying eyes away from the Wolven property. They need privacy for, you know, shapeshifting and hunting. Also witches are good healers and the Wolven avoid mainstream human medicine. The Witches ability to dress wounds, make salves and medicines, and do spellworking is very useful for the Wolven. For the Witches, they are happy for the Wolven's protection."

  "What are escarpment witches?"

  "There are different types of witches, like there are different wolven clans with different specialties. Also, I'm sure you know that witches are matriarchal, also like wolven. Grandma Lily's family took their name from the dolomite that forms the Niagara escarpment aeons ago."

  "Escarpment?"

  "The escarpment is a thick band of hard rock hat goes across upstate New York and Ontario, Canada. Niagara Falls rests on the escarpment. Escarpment witches gain power from this rock. Paranormal activity is often associated with dolomite. Escarpment witches have watched over the Niagara escarpment for generations, for nearly 400 years."

  "This is very different for me," replied Raveen. "I've mostly been with my own kind, deep in the Canadian backwoods. Some of us get jobs in town of course, so I am accustomed to humans, but not witches. I found Grandma Lily to be unexpectedly powerful, especially for an old lady."

  Aunt Violet laughed, "That she is. She can certainly get her point across and defend her boundaries. But her specialty is scrying. Mine is healing. Also, both Grandma Lily and myself are excellent midwives."

  Raveen nodded,
"What about Blue?"

  "I'm afraid that Blue has the makings of a battlemage. She can do the usual witch tasks of scrying, spellcasting, astral travel, healing, but destructive spellcasting is her strong point."

  "How about the spirit girl, Stella? She is not a witch. But there is something funny about her. She is not just an ordinary human. What can she do?"

  Aunt Violet grew silent. "Here's the thing… We don't talk about Stella. There are reasons why not, but I am not free to explain. You'll just have to trust me that they are good reasons and ones you really do not want to know."

  Raveen looked dissatisfied with this reply but nodded politely. Aunt Violet changed the subject.

  "Now that my parents are growing older it's nice having the Mantooth closeby. They look in on Grandma Lily and Grandpa Lou and help them out when the weather is bad. Rafe’s father, Torolf Mantooth, always plows their long driveway, at no charge. Grandma Lily sets up wards of protection around the Mantooth's house, barns, and land and Grandpa Lou is always there to help the Mantooths with any big projects they started. So the arrangement works out."

  "Is your father a Mantooth also?"

  "No, but both the Mantooths and Grandpa Lou Stone belong to the Iron Wolf Clan."

  "Your parents have a nice property with their tree farm and orchards."

  "Yes, they do and they enjoy it very much. They tend their orchard and small gardens carefully. Also, they grow and harvest blue spruce for the Christmas tree market, so there are several acres of up and coming fir trees. At their age, trees are much easier to handle than livestock. Every fall there are orchards, herbs, grapes, and other crops to be harvested at both my parent’s farm and the Mantooth farm. So every year some of the remote Iron Wolf Clan members arrive to help."

  "I've heard of that," replied Raveen.

  "Most move back north into the wilds as soon as the harvest is done."

  Chapter 11

  After school Stella had to stay late for gymnastics practice, so Blue walked home alone.

  "Stop by my house around 7:00 p.m. tonight and we can talk more," whispered Stella. "I work parking for the Butterfield wake early this evening, but after that I'm free."