by Lauren Quick
“The aunties are coming,” Vivi said, pouring herself some coffee from the carafe that Clover had set out with mugs and a plate of shortbread.
“We know. I told you that if you recall,” Clover said, biting into a cookie.
Vivi shifted back into her seat with the warm mug in her hand. “What I meant to say is they are coming tonight when the moon is full and the clock strikes midnight. And they’re coming by broomstick.” Vivi smiled. “I have no idea how their luggage is arriving.”
Clover rolled her eyes. “Mounds of luggage arrived this morning. I had to bribe Derrick with a day off to get him to help me levitate it upstairs to their guest rooms. Seriously, they had ten pieces of luggage each. I honestly think they travel with everything they own.”
“How do you know they’re coming tonight?” Honora asked, swiping two cookies off the plate.
“I had a premonition today when I was inside the Canary Caves.”
“What were you doing in the caves?” Honora asked. “You’re not really the adventurous explorer type.”
“I know. But Pepper needed to pick up some supplies for a special potion she’s brewing and I went with her.”
“Tell us about this premonition. What did you see?” Clover asked.
“You won’t believe it, but I think I now know what’s driving the Darklander,” Vivi said and filled them in about the caves and the portal coin. She also told them about her discovery of Kat Keene, thanks to Jenny Liu.
Honora set down her mug. “Jenny filled me in about the Red Queen but we haven’t had time to look into the coin. I’ll let Jenny know what you found out,” Honora said. “We’ve been swamped at the office, doing a lot of surveillance for this new client. Very paranoid wizard.”
“You’ve given me plenty of help.” Vivi shoved a piece of shortbread into her mouth.
Honora shifted on the swing. “I could put you in contact with a friend of mine from my flyers club, Harper. She works in the council building and might have the dirt on Keene.”
“That would be great. I’d like to meet up with her and see what she knows. I still don’t know why she could be a danger to anyone, even Devlin Strange, especially if he has the portal coin. If she’s going after him, it would be to secure the coin for the council. Unless she has an ulterior motive.” Vivi didn’t know enough about her yet to form a solid opinion. But her involvement complicated the situation.
“Sounds like a lot of motives going around,” Clover said. “Have you heard back from Mom?”
“No. Not a peep. But I’m not surprised. She and Rye Finn are probably all over this portal coin case,” Vivi said.
“I still can’t picture her walking the streets of the Halo district dressed up like a hooker,” Clover said.
Honora snorted. “I can. Mom looks great and is a badass. We just never knew it before. I hope she catches this guy and Hex gets the coin back.”
Clover wandered into the house and returned with a thick book in her hands. “The portal system is an interesting topic.”
Vivi’s eyes widened. “Do you have your own copy of the portal directory?”
“Doesn’t everyone?” Clover asked.
“No. You win the award for super nerd,” Honora said, winking at Clover. “Though we do have one in the office. Just in case.”
“The directory not only gives the portal’s history, but also lists all the known portals, active and inactive, throughout Everland.” Clover unfolded one of the pages, revealing a detailed map.
“I thought the Magical Transportation Guild maintained the portal system,” Vivi said.
“They do now,” Clover sat on the swing. “But when it was first developed the system was run by a group of portal magicians. Witches and wizards whose persuasion dealt with spacial magic.”
“Did one of them invent the coin?” Vivi asked.
“Most likely.” Clover pointed to an illustration in the book. “No one knows who invented the coin. The true inventor is anonymous as far as the council is concerned. Many witches and wizards tried to claim it as their own. The coin was coveted and fights to possess it broke out.” Clover traced her finger down the page. “The portal system became a hunting ground. The magicians began manipulating the portal stops for their own gain.”
“So the council stepped in and regulated the stops like the one in the Glass Slipper,” Vivi said. “And locked up the coin. But I’m assuming something went awry in Council-land and the coin went missing. Somehow Devlin Strange got his hands on it and is on the run.”
Honora drummed her fingers on the arm of the porch swing in a quick staccato. “That means the most important and potentially dangerous coin in Everland is loose. The only bright side is at least we now know what everyone, including the Darklander, is after. Always follow the money or in this case, the portal. I hope it doesn’t lead us down a rabbit hole.”
“Me too,” Vivi said. “But Devlin Strange is still the big mystery.” And now that she’d seen him, she wasn’t sure if she wanted to tell the Darklander. Maybe she’d keep him in the dark a little longer.
“A mystery man in our lives. Maybe it won’t be a bad thing,” Clover said, always the optimist.
The three sisters cooked dinner and chatted late into the evening, waiting for the aunties to arrive. They sat on chairs in the yard and stared up at the sky. As midnight struck, a strong wind rustled the trees. Two figures hunching over broomsticks, streaked across the sky, black capes snapping in the wind. Shrieking cackles filled the air. Vivi jumped to her feet and pointed, tracking the witches as they circled the house and descended. Honora had her hands shoved in her jean pockets and her leather jacket zipped up to her throat. “Those two are so dramatic.”
“I don’t know how they stand riding on broomsticks,” Vivi said. “Old habit, I guess, or they’re gluttons for punishment.”
“I wish they’d hurry up and land. It’s getting chilly out here,” Clover said from a lawn chair covered with a knit throw. She waved her wand, illuminating the darkness.
After another pass of the house, the witches descended and landed in the center of the yard, touching down like experienced fliers. Their pointy black boots skidded across the grass, leaving four small trenches. They shook out of their flying cloaks and opened their arms to embrace their great-nieces.
Elsie and Henrietta Mayhem had arrived.
11
Vivi watched as Elsie pulled off her goggles and soft leather flying cap and a mass of brown hair woven through with gray tumbled down her back. As Elsie enveloped her in a tight embrace, Vivi wondered what kind of spell her great-aunt used to get her wild mane to fit under the sleek cap. When Elsie smiled, crow’s-feet erupted at the corner of her intelligent sparkling eyes. Her skin practically glowed in the moonlight. “Hello, little munchkins. So good to see you again.” She tweaked Vivi’s cheek. No matter how old they were, the sisters never stopped being the aunties’ little witches.
After more hugs and kisses, the three sisters tried to make their way inside. Vivi shivered in the chilly midnight air as she and Clover raced up the porch steps.
“Where are you three going?” Henrietta asked. Strands of her white hair had escaped her braid and were caught on the wind, waving like threads of gossamer.
“Inside the warm house so we don’t freeze our butts off,” Honora said, pushing her sisters toward the open door.
“Have you forgotten about our little family tradition?” Henrietta asked. She held up her hand and Vivi swore she saw a spark of energy emanate from her palm as she magically shut the back door, sending a message to them. Her persuasion was telekinesis and she could move objects using her mind.
“She really does have a chill, Henny. We’ll be quick, darling witches. Not to worry. And then we’ll get warm and snuggly by the fire.” Elsie was an empath and always knew how everyo
ne was feeling. Compassion oozed from her pores. “Form a circle. Let’s join hands.” She waved them over to the center of the yard.
Resistance would only insult them, so the sisters obediently formed a circle and clasped hands. Vivi stood next to Henrietta and her hand flew effortlessly into her aunt’s grasp. Elsie’s voice rose over the group in a light humming that turned into a song from a bygone age, Witches of the White Mountains, about a group of witches who held the old traditions sacred. It was said they preserved the memories of witches from all of time—their magic, power, secrets, dreams, and sorrows— and kept them in a magical place far, far away known as the White Mountains. Henrietta sent a thread of energy through the circle, pulsing from hand to hand, witch to witch as her sister sang the song. Fireflies, drawn to the magical energy, swarmed around the outer edge of the circle and blinked their glowing light.
Comforting warmth flowed through Vivi’s entire body, and a smile spread across her face as she remembered the tradition and its importance. In that moment, her love for the aunties and for her family of witches grew immeasurably.
“Never forget,” Clover said as the song ended, a single tear streaming down her cheek.
Honora smiled. “Thank you for reminding us of our people, our purpose.”
“Good.” Henrietta nodded to the sisters, approving their sincere appreciation for the tradition. “We need to remember our history now more than ever.”
Elsie broke the circle and waved them all inside. “Hurry up now, Mayhems, hurry up. Make your magic useful, Henny, and get the fire lit.”
“I already have, sister. I already have.” Henrietta beamed, and when they all hurried inside, indeed, there was a fire crackling in the fireplace. The aunties descended on the kitchen, making themselves at home. The clanking of dishes and opening of cabinets could be heard in the living room.
Honora warmed her hands in front of the fire. “I’m not envious of many persuasions, but I would almost trade mine for hers.”
Vivi plopped down on the sofa. “True. I’d probably take telekinesis also. But then again, it’s predictable, controllable.”
“Are you saying you like the unpredictability of your persuasion? That’s a first.” Honora snorted and plopped into an armchair.
“Like is a strong word. I guess I’m adapting.” Vivi grabbed a mug of tea that sailed across the room toward her. “Henrietta has got serious control of her magic. She didn’t spill one drop.”
The aunties were whipping up hot drinks in the kitchen. Clover strolled into the living room with a cup in her hands. “I’ve been banished from my own kitchen.”
Honora kicked off her shoes. “Go with it. You won’t have to cook or clean for the entire time they’re here. Enjoy it while it lasts.”
“True. Very true.” Clover settled down next to Vivi on the sofa.
Another cup floated into the room and Elsie followed, carrying a tray of molasses cookies that she placed on the table before warming her backside in front of the fire. Henrietta joined them, taking a seat on the ottoman in front of Clover.
“To what do we owe the pleasure?” Vivi asked, curiosity piqued. “Why have you come for a visit?”
“To see us. Right? They don’t need a reason,” Clover said, nudging Vivi.
“No offense. I’m just curious,” Vivi said. They might seem flighty and impetuous but that was just for appearances. If you asked Vivi, they were smart purposeful witches who never did anything without a good reason.
The aunties exchanged a glance, but it was Henrietta who answered. “We came on family business.”
Elsie smiled, her lips stained the color of boysenberries. “And, yes, also to see you three. We don’t get to spend nearly enough time with you. And Elspeth too. We can’t wait to catch up with your mother. So much has happened since we last saw her. So much is happening now,” she added cryptically.
“So true, Elsie. Elspeth’s life is bounding forward. After all, it’s an important time in her life,” Henrietta said.
Something was up with these two. Vivi could feel it. She swallowed a gulp of tea. “When you see her, tell her we need to talk. I can’t get in touch with her. I’ve sent messages but haven’t heard back.”
“Hex can be like that,” Honora said. “I went to the barracks a few times over the past month and it’s tight as a drum over there. She’s working an important case and I can’t get a peep out of them.” She motioned to Vivi. “And now this one has gotten herself involved with Mom’s case also.”
“Too true, sister,” Vivi said and proceeded to give her aunts the short version of recent events. “I know it has to do with the portal coin, but it’s still frustrating,”
“If you ask me, we got here right in time,” Henrietta said and signaled to her sister to head upstairs. “Elsie, get the coat.”
“No problem. I’ll do it so you can sit and rest your old exhausted brittle bones.” Elsie rolled her eyes and left her comfy spot by the fire. “Clover, can you direct me to our trunks?”
“Of course.” She jumped up and took Elsie upstairs.
“What kind of coat?” Honora asked.
“It’s a family heirloom,” Henrietta said. “It was time you three girls had it. Elsie and I have been lugging it around with us for long enough.”
Vivi remembered the scrying mirror they’d used a while back, and knew when it came to Mayhem family heirlooms, magic was probably involved. “What does it do?”
“It’s a coat. It keeps you warm and dry,” Henrietta said with a mischievous grin.
“I know what coats do, but what about this one? I’m assuming it’s special or you wouldn’t be carting it around with you. So what kind of magic does it possess?” Vivi asked, pinning her great-aunt into a corner.
“None,” Henrietta said.
“Are you saying this family heirloom contains no magical properties at all?” Honora’s eyes narrowed. “That’s hard to believe.”
“It’s sentimental. No magic. It’s just a coat.”
“What makes it so special?” Vivi asked.
“You’ll have to wait and find out for yourselves.” Henrietta glanced over her shoulder as Clover and Elsie lugged a box down the stairs. “Here we go.”
They set the box on the ottoman and Elsie lifted the lid. She pulled out a long brown leather coat with a worn wool collar and elbow patches. “It’s heavier than I remember,” Elsie said and laid it with a thump on the coffee table. A small puff of dust filled the air. Vivi waved her hand in front of her face to keep from sneezing.
“It looks like it has seen better days,” Vivi said.
“That’s character,” Clover said. “Whose coat is it?”
“A relative who wanted you three to have it,” Elsie said, vaguely. “Now let’s get down to business and start trying it on.”
“I don’t think it’s going to fit. It looks a little too big and bulky for one of us to actually wear,” Vivi said, holding up one of the long sleeves.
Henrietta curled up her lip. “I didn’t say wear. I said try on.”
“Snap. Score one for auntie.” Honora nudged Vivi playfully and grabbed the coat. “I’ll go first.” She slid the leather over her shoulders and shook out her arms.
“How does it feel?” Elsie asked.
“Shouldn’t you know that without asking?” Honora smiled, teasing her empathic great-aunt.
Elsie cocked an eyebrow at her. “Don’t be smart. I was asking for the group. Tell us all how you feel.”
Honora ran her hands over the leather. “Good. I guess. The coat is warm and kind of cozy. The leather is supple and nice and broken-in, not stiff like some leather can be.”
“But do you feel anything, sense anything?” Henrietta asked, eyeing her like a ravenous hawk.
Honora did a little spin. “
Nope. Sorry to disappoint you two, but it feels like an ordinary coat. A nice one, granted, but still a coat.” She slipped it off and handed it to Clover. “Your turn.”
Clover stood and put the coat on. She closed her eyes and inhaled deeply. “It smells nice like aftershave or the light smoky scent after an autumn rain.”
“What else are you getting?” Elsie probed, blue eyes sparkling.
Clover opened her eyes. “If I’m being totally honest, I’d have to agree with Honora. It’s a really nice, warm, cozy coat.” Her hands glided over the surface. “I like it. It’s cool, rugged. It’s the kind of coat you find in a thrift store and are thrilled.”
“A thrift store!” Henrietta yelped. “What has our family come to?”
“Sorry. I didn’t mean to offend our ancestor who owned this coat. Just being honest.” Clover slipped it off her shoulders.
“Oh, I know, honey. It’s okay.” Elsie took the coat from her and held it out for Vivi to try on. “Your turn. Maybe try thinking of someone when you try it on.”
Vivi stood. “Sure. Why not? But my hopes aren’t high.” Vivi slid into the warm leather. Her sisters were right. The coat was cozy and supple and toasty. “I like it.” She smiled. When she closed her eyes, she imagined her family—her sisters and mother. Her mind spun. The strong magic of the previous owner surged into her being, triggering her persuasion.
The room shifted under her feet and a vision rose to the surface of her awareness, shooting into her mind’s eye. It was Devlin Strange and he was in the council building in Stargazer City. He rushed down a corridor, sweat beading on his forehead, and suddenly a thin pale hand yanked him down a passageway. Kat Keene’s eyes shined in the darkness. Her lips brushed his ear and she whispered something, but the conversation was a jumble of words. Her eyes narrowed into angry slits.
Kat stabbed her wand into his ribs and uttered a spell that sent a lightning bolt of pain through him. He gasped, clutching his side.
