Magic, Maria thought. I’ll never get it.
“Ah, there it is!” Salem shouted.
“Hey now,” Gramps said, “get out of there. That stuff is precious to me.”
Salem held a necklace by the chain. The pendant was a small, sharp-featured rock, like a crystal, and was filled nearly to the brim with the purple liquid. Maria found she wasn’t drawn to it like she had been to the larger vial. “Still full, at that!” he said. “Who would’ve thought?”
Gramps sighed. “I guess that kind of old magic doesn’t carry an expiration date.”
“Apparently not,” Salem said.
He dug into the chest again and pulled out a couple more small crystal necklaces. These were empty. Maria was confused.
“Should we test it out?” she asked.
Gramps shook his head. “No need. We can get along quite well without it. We have so far.”
Salem crossed his arms. “Now you can’t honestly believe that. If we’d had these on in Ashbourne, we could have saved ourselves a lot of bruises.”
Gramps didn’t answer, but Maria could tell by his expression that he knew Salem was right.
Finally, the curiosity took hold of her, and she had to ask. “How does it work?”
“The simple answer is ‘magic,’ Maria,” Salem replied, holding up an empty vial to the overhead fluorescents. The glass caught the light and cast a wonderful array of gleams across the back room. Maria was reminded of a disco ball. “But there is a difficult answer…a more scientific one. I know humans need to know the answers to everything in order to be satisfied. The way I see it, there’s some subjects among this wonderful thing called life that are unexplainable. We gotta accept that. So here’s the first step to accepting.”
“You mean you’re not going to tell me?” Maria asked.
Salem grinned and shook his head. Closing one eye, he peered at Maria through the crystal.
Gramps snagged it out of his hand and put it back in the chest. “What he really means is that he doesn’t know the difficult answer.”
“Neither do you, you old wizard,” Salem said.
“You’re right. I do not. I’d like to keep it that way, too. I have seen the consequences of fiddling with such magic, and don’t intend to subject my granddaughter to them.”
“Eh, I think she can handle herself just fine,” Salem argued as he rooted through the chest again. “She did ride a dragon a couple miles into the sky.”
“Don’t forget the Arachnid I beat,” Maria added.
Salem nodded, looked at Gramps, and crossed his arms. “Yeah, and the Arachnid.”
“The Cave of Delusion, too. The Trials of Antenele.” Maria started listing off all of the crazy stuff that had happened to her in such a short span of time, and counting them one by one on her fingers. She quickly ran out of fingers.
“Okay, okay, I get it,” Gramps said, waving his arms. “I’m a terrible guardian—”
“Don’t say that, Ig,” Salem replied. “What happened to Maria was inevitable. Seems that kind of stuff has a way of falling upon the Apples, huh?”
“You’re right,” Gramps said again.
“Of course I am,” Salem replied, grinning. “I’m always right…for the most part. Just don’t tell that to Agnes. She’ll rupture an important organ laughing so hard.”
Maria snorted.
“I’m serious,” Salem said. “According to her, I’m never right.”
All three of them laughed, and for that moment, all the uncertain things hanging in the balance, the weight of the worlds on Maria’s shoulders, the Arachnids, the Rogue Dragon—all of that—was gone. In that moment, it was just friends and family, hanging out at an ice cream shop near the end of summer. Just some people enjoying one another’s company.
But as quickly as that moment came, it disappeared.
“Ig, that magic could help us when we go back to Oriceran,” Salem pointed out.
Gramps looked apprehensively at his friend, then back to the chest and the vial within.
“We’ll need a form of communication in case we get split up again. Especially with war coming…” Salem pressed.
“I suppose you’re right,” Gramps admitted.
He took the vial out of the chest, covering most of the glowing liquid with his hands so Maria couldn’t see it and become entranced again. She was glad for that. As good as the enchantment felt, it had left her head with a slightly empty feeling.
Gramps turned his back on Salem and Maria. The top of the vial screwed off with a sound like a fork raking across glass. He uncorked one of the smaller crystals with a low pop, and let two drops from the larger vial fall into each of the four small ones. Then he turned back around, leaving the larger container on the table where Maria couldn’t see it. She was surprised to see that two drops was all it took to fill the small crystals.
“Now we’re talking,” Salem said, rubbing his hands together. He leaned closer to Maria and whispered, “Once you have a couple visions, it’s a piece of cake. Gets easier and easier,” but he spoke loud enough for Gramps to hear.
“Don’t frighten the girl,” he scolded.
Salem raised both hands up as if to say I’m innocent, I’m innocent.
“What’s he talking about?” Maria asked Gramps. “Visions?”
“A minor side effect of using the communication crystals,” Gramps answered nonchalantly. He was too focused on making sure the cork was as tight as it could go.
Maria knew that ‘minor’ usually meant ‘major’ when it came to Ignatius Apple.
“If you so much as smell the liquid within, you will be sent down a vortex of bad scenarios,” Salem said. “Don’t worry, though. That’s what the corks are for. And the glass vial the potion is in is…indestructible.”
“I wouldn’t go that far, Salem,” Gramps said. He sounded very much like Ignatius the Wizard instead of Gramps. Maria didn’t like it much, but she realized it was perhaps necessary to emphasize the dangers of whatever it was they were handling. “We may have nothing to worry about. It’s been a long time since we’ve used this potion, and though it is potent,” he smiled slightly at his own play on words, “time always wins in the end.”
“Can’t we test it out?” Maria asked again.
“Yes, Salem and I can,” Gramps allowed.
Salem grinned. “High five me!” He reached for the vial. Gramps held it out to him, and then snatched it back with a wary look in his eyes. No chance of high fiving there.
“No tomfoolery,” Gramps said. “I already have to deal with Sherlock’s; I don’t think I could handle anymore.”
“Oh, cool it, you old wizard,” Salem said.
“Pot, kettle,” Gramps replied.
Maria laughed at their friendly banter. It made her think of her own friends, and where they all were just a week ago; Maria working at the Popcorn Palace, Claire across the way at Sephora. Joe would stroll by in his tight security uniform, his muscles bulging, and his grin so bright, it ate away any shadows that found their way into the concourse. Tabby still back at the sorority house at Akron University. Maria was magic-less, and her dog didn’t communicate with her telepathically. Not to mention there was no giant spider-thing after her, no world in between, and no Gnomes, Elves, Rogue Dragons, or Dragon Tongue.
Now here she was, standing in the back of an ice cream place, preparing for war, while two wizards—including her grandfather—argued over magic potions and their effects.
I’ve said it before, and I’ll say it again: I’ll never get used to this magical world.
“I’ll go outside,” Salem said. “You know the drill. Just like the old days.”
Gramps rolled his eyes, but nodded. Maria’s heart rate increased as she saw the moment pass between the two of them. Would she be witnessing some new form of magic she hadn’t yet seen?
Salem went out into the parking lot. A high wind blew, rustling the leaves in nearby trees and whistling inside through small gaps in the window seams. Gramps
slapped his hands down on a few papers before they could scatter.
Once everything was settled, he exhaled a great breath through his nostrils, which caused his beard to sway. He put the necklace over his head, holding the small vial in his hand. One side of his top lip was curled up in a slight sneer, as if he didn’t expect this to actually work.
Maria hoped it did. Despite never getting used to this magical ability she now possessed, the idea of there still being mysteries from Oriceran intrigued her. Communication crystals could now be added to that list of intriguing things.
Gramps tapped the bottom of the vial like he was doing a mic check. A slightly metallic sound filled the air, and Maria looked at Gramps. “Did I just hear something?”
“You did.” Gramps nodded. “Makes no difference yet. Not until we hear—”
A loud voice cut him off, causing both Maria and Gramps to jump.
“Ig!” It was Salem’s voice. He sounded like he was laughing. “Ig, do you hear me?”
Once Gramps regained his composure, he cleared his throat and answered Salem. “Quiet down, you buffoon, or the Widow is going to hear you.”
There was silence for a moment, then, “It WORKS!” The voice was so loud that the talking in the front room stopped abruptly.
“Maria?” Claire called. “Everything okay?”
“Yeah, yeah,” Maria called back. She dug a finger in her ear and wiggled it.
“Quiet,” Gramps whispered again.
“Oh-kay,” Salem whispered back. “I’ll be quiet because,” the back door opened, and Salem stood in the doorway, “you’re a stick in the mud.”
“Please, Salem, we must be serious. Big things are on the horizon,” Gramps said.
“Exactly why we need to relax and enjoy this moment while we can,” Salem replied.
“He does have a point,” Maria said.
Gramps frowned at her as he took the necklace off. “You’re not supposed to side with him, Maria. You’re my granddaughter.”
“Maybe if that magic was a little cooler.” She shrugged and gave a wink. “I mean, communication crystals are essentially magical walkie talkies.”
“No, no, better than that,” Salem enthused. He took his necklace off, holding it in his hand as the crystal swung back and forth. “These are at least magical cell phones.” He pointed to the bottom of the crystal. There, a small button protruded from it, almost invisible to the naked eye. “It’s also a tracking device. Hit this button, and a signal is sent to the other crystals on the ‘network.’ Super useful. If only Hansel and Gretel had one.” Maria opened her mouth to reply, but Salem continued. “So, not smartphones, mind you, but do you remember the cells in the late 90s and early 2000s?” he asked.
Maria shook her head. “I’ve seen them on TV, but I was a little too young to remember those.”
“I do,” Gramps said. “I know I’m not one for style, but those were the least fashionable things I think I’ve ever seen.”
“Yeah, yeah. Well, communication crystals are sort of like those,” Salem said.
“A very unique magical item,” Gramps said.
“But a very useful one, too,” Salem added. “The thing with those cell phones was they never broke. You could accidentally leave it in your pants pocket on laundry day, and the cell would come out working as good as new and smelling like Downy. Same goes for communication crystals. They are so stable and reliable, it’s rumored that many of the armies on Oriceran use them during battle. Of course, Oriceran hasn’t seen large-scale battle in a while, but that doesn’t change their reliability, mind you.”
Hasn’t seen large-scale battle yet, Maria thought to herself, and a bad feeling sluiced through her stomach like snakes.
“Maria! Come on!” Tabby yelled from the front. “Claire is telling Joe embarrassing stories from when we were in high school.”
Maria grimaced. She was not surprised to see her skin starting to glow a slight blue. High school seemed like years ago, but it was not a time in her life she looked back on fondly. Kaylee had made it a living hell, and most of the people in her class (and the classes below hers) didn’t realize how cool it was to like Star Wars, Halo, fantasy and sci-fi novels, and all that stuff most people would consider nerdy. Maria got picked on a lot. But she didn’t let that change the things she liked or the way she acted. Claire and Tabby were her best friends even then, and they’d accepted her for her nerdy self—which, looking back, wasn’t surprising if you considered the fact that they were currently sitting in an ice cream shop with a Gnome, a couple of witches, and a telepathic dog who was obsessed with taking one or both of them to a delusional Dog Prom.
“You better go on,” Gramps said. “Before they tell Joe that story about your junior year—”
“I’m gonna stop you right there. That story does not need repeating here…or ever,” Maria said. Salem snickered, but avoided Maria’s glare, instead opting for playing with the crystal. Maria turned back to Gramps. “They won’t tell that story; they know how embarrassing it is.” She pointed to the necklace Gramps held. “Anyway, what’s the deal with the bad visions or whatever?”
“I’d rather not say,” Gramps said, “but I guess it is important, should you find yourself under their spell.” He held the crystal up to the light. “Inside of the potion that powers the communication crystals are…well, that’s another scientific explanation I really don’t want to get into—”
Salem took the chance to get back at Gramps. “What he means is that it’s a scientific explanation he really doesn’t know. The old wizard is losing it, I tell ya!”
“Can it,” Gramps snapped.
Salem chuckled. “I only report the truth, old friend.”
“The communication crystals’ potions have been known to cause vivid hallucinations. Sometimes they are good, almost euphoric, but most of the time, they are worse than your darkest nightmare,” Gramps cautioned. He squinted at the crystal, still casting its light all over the back room.
“Which explains why I almost went into a trance when I saw the bigger vial,” Maria concluded.
“Yes, it is highly potent. Had you stared at it much longer, I’m afraid you wouldn’t be here with us.” Gramps tapped his temple.
“Can’t be any worse than what I saw in the Cave of Delusion,” Maria said softly to herself, but she questioned that statement. She could never actually know for sure, until it happened.
“It is highly unlikely you’ll ever have to deal with a potion leakage, but if you do, you must be prepared,” Gramps warned in his most paternal voice.
“Highly unlikely,” Salem echoed, squinting at his own vial, “but not all of us are so lucky.”
“You mean you saw something?” Maria asked. “What did you see?”
“I’d rather not say,” Salem answered. “I will tell you it wasn’t euphoric, that’s for sure.”
“So you see, Maria, it is possible. You must be careful when handling communication crystals.”
“So I’m getting one? You mean you actually trust me with another magical artifact?” She put her arm around Gramps’s bony shoulders and smiled. “Never thought I’d see the day.”
“I trust you with that sword on your hip, and that music box in your bag, don’t I?” Gramps returned Maria’s smile. “You are a witch, now, Maria. Responsibility is ingrained in you like your magic.”
“Don’t get too far ahead of yourself,” Salem said with a chuckle.
“Hey, I thought you were on my side,” Maria said.
“I don’t take sides, young lady,” Salem replied.
“Unless it’s mine,” Agnes said from the door. Her arms were folded across her chest. “What are you three up to in here?”
“Communication crystals,” Maria answered. She stuck her hand out, and Gramps let the necklace fall into the palm of her hand. Her skin buzzed with power, making her hair stand on end. Walkie talkies or not, magic was magic, and Maria knew not to take it lightly.
“Ooh, it’s been a while s
ince I’ve seen one those,” Agnes said, her eyes wide.
“It’s been even longer since I’ve thought of them,” Gramps said. “I completely forgot I had them, but I’m not their biggest supporter. However, I do see how useful they may be in the coming days, once our plans are set in motion.”
Agnes picked one of the empty crystals up from the table. Her eyes were distant with memory. “I used to play tricks on my little brother, growing up. I’d hide one of these under his pillow and groan like a ghost He hated it. I think I permanently scarred him.”
Salem laughed.
“Ah, little brat deserved it after he set fire to my dolls,” Agnes reasoned. “Besides, it was funny.” Her smiling expression went blank as she turned on Maria. “But be careful. Terrible nightmares lie within the crystal’s potion. It plays on your worst fears.”
“Good thing I’m not afraid of anything,” Maria replied triumphantly.
“Oh, my dear, we are all afraid of something, whether or not we know what that is. I hope you never have to witness such nightmares, but the magic will find your fear, and it’ll make you realize how scared you are of it.”
Maria put the necklace on over her head, slipping it over her wild brown hair with slight difficulty. “If the day comes, I’ll be prepared,” she promised.
She didn’t mean to sound cocky or full of herself, but she had, after all, conquered a Rogue Dragon, and done other things she hadn’t thought she’d successfully accomplish. A few nightmares were nothing compared to all that.
“You’ll be prepared because you have such great mentors,” Salem said.
“You not included,” Agnes quipped. Salem sidled over to her and slipped an arm around her waist.
“Aw, you’re too kind, my love,” he said.
Laughter drifted in from under the door again.
“How’s the ice cream situation?” Salem laughed. “Should I even bother to ask? We can just conjure up more if we ever do run out.”
“That’s against the magical law, my friend,” Ignatius scolded as he packed up the contents of the chest.
“Since when are you concerned with magical law?” Salem leaned his head back and roared with laughter, and Gramps joined him. Agnes and Maria caught eyes, both wearing a hesitant look on their face because magical law seemed to be something one should be concerned with.
Midwest Magic Chronicles Box Set Page 66
