“I don’t know what you’re talking about.”
“Grammie, I know you do! Why won’t you tell me? I’m not a child!” Emmy’s emotions were amplified. Anger blazed like fire in her eyes. She was tired of being patted on the head. She was almost fourteen, and she had a right to know if the secrets Grammie was keeping, concerned her.
“Emmy — ” Grammie began, but
before anyone could say or do anything, Emmy’s anger bubbled up, and when she turned her gaze towards the pitcher, it exploded.
Emmy jumped to her feet. “Grammie, are you all right? I don’t know what happened!” She ran for a dishtowel and gave it to Grammie.
“Thank you.” Grammie didn’t clean the mess.
“What happened?” Emmy demanded. Had she caused the pitcher to shatter? Why was she so angry? She didn’t usually have a temper.
“Sit down, Emmy. I think it’s time to tell you the truth.”
CHAPTER 4
A WITCH’S TALE
Emmy stared wide-eyed at the mess. Her hands shook and tears stung her eyes, as she tried to make sense of what had transpired. She raised her eyes towards Grammie, who stood up, and with a small smile and a wave of her hand, made the milk and shattered glass disappeared.
“How? What’s happening?” Emmy cried out. She slowly moved away from Grammie, terrified of what she’d witnessed. She didn’t know or understand what she’d seen. Her eyes grew wide like saucers when she looked in Grammie’s direction.
“It’s all right, Emmy.” Grammie reached out to her granddaughter. “It’s time to tell you the truth.”
“But how did you do that?”
“Give me your hands.”
Emmy hesitated. She loved her grandma, but this… she didn’t know what to do. She took a deep breath and chose to trust the only mother she’d ever known. She waited, for an explanation and hoped it would be a good one. It had to be. Things like this didn’t just happen, at least not in the real world.
Grammie squeezed her granddaughter’s cold hands. “Close your eyes and relax.”
Emmy did as she was told.
“Open your mind to me.”
“Grammie, I don’t know what this is all about, but I’m really scared.” Emmy tried to pull her hands away from Grammie’s, who firmly held them.
“Do as I say,” Grammie’s tone emphasized her point.
Emmy closed her eyes again, and tried to keep her mind blank. She was terrified by the happenings, but pushed her fear aside and drew a blank palette.
Suddenly, pictures flashed like a movie trailer through her mind. She tried to make sense of what she saw, but failed. Emmy opened her eyes and stared at Grammie. “I don’t know what to say. I don’t understand anything I saw. Is this supposed to make sense?
“Not yet, but in time, things will start to make sense.” Grammie patted Emmy’s cheek with a reassuring gesture.
“Please tell me what’s going on, and how you made the milk and glass disappear.”
“Sit down, Emmy. What I’m about to tell you may surprise you, but I want you to listen to everything I’m going to say.”
“I’ll try.”
“We are a part of an ancient society of witches.” Grammie leaned back in her chair and met her granddaughter’s blue gaze with an intensity that Emmy had never seen before today.
A nervous laugh escaped her. First, a strange guy followed her around, then a pitcher of milk exploded, and if that wasn’t enough to freak her out, Grammie made the mess disappear with a wave of her hand. Now, she was expected to believe they belonged to some witches’ coven? This was too much for her to absorb.
“I know my words seem odd to you, but eventually, you will remember and understand that everything I’ve told you, is true.”
“Sorry, but this isn’t something you hear every day.” Emmy wanted to laugh, to cry, to scream, but all she could do was listen to the words being spoon fed to her.
Grammie ignored her and continued. “We are members of the Coven of Orenda. Your mother was our queen, but an evil and very dangerous witch by the name of Grisandole killed her and tried to steal her throne. Our sisters banded together, and fought Grisandole and her followers. Many witches found death at the hands of the Coven of Maesliff, but the one person they couldn’t kill was the heir to the throne of the Coven of Orenda.”
“Who’s the heir?”
“You, Child. You are the rightful heir to that throne.”
“Me? Are you kidding, Grammie? I’m no witch and I’m certainly not a queen.”
“You are a princess and one day, you’ll become our queen. You are your mother’s daughter, and you’ve inherited her powers, and her right of cast.”
“What’s that?”
“Your mother left a provision, whereas, one day, you will sit upon her throne as our Queen.”
Shocked, Emmy couldn’t digest the information she was being given. Nothing made sense to her.
Grammie nodded, her demeanor serious.
But Emmy shook her head, almost violently. “No! You’re lying to me! You must be. This is wrong. It’s all so wrong!”
“I wouldn’t lie to you.” Tears stood in Grammie’s eyes.
“I know,” Emmy said, settling down. “But how can you expect me to believe this story.”
“I know how fantastic this sounds, but I am telling you the truth.” Grammie watched her granddaughter closely.
Emmy leaned back in her chair. “So, you’re saying, that I made the pitcher of milk explode?”
“Yes. When a young witch reaches a certain age and the magic hidden within, wants to be released, it waits for a certain outlet. In this case, your emotions drove the magic to the surface.”
“Why didn’t you tell me this before?” Emmy’s panic intensified, as her fear escalated to new heights. Her hands trembled, her lip quivered.
“We felt it best to wipe your memories clean, until you needed to know. Now that your magic has spilled out, I felt the time was right.”
“You should have told me the truth!” Why couldn’t Grammie be straight forward with her? “I’m old enough to hear everything you have to say!”
“I did it to protect you. If you had used your powers, Grisandole would have found you and come after you. I couldn’t allow that to happen.”
“But, I just used these powers.”
“Yes, unfortunately you did. And now we must do everything in our power to shield you from Grisandole.”
“Grammie, I can’t get past the fact you lied to me.”
“Yes, I did lie, but for good reason.”
“How can I ever trust you again? I… I feel lost. It’s as if my entire life was based on lies. I can’t…” Tears glistened in her eyes and fell from dark lashes. She stood and ran from the room.
“Emmy! Please wait!” Grammie rose from her chair and walked into the outer room just as the front door closed.
Tears streaked Emmy’s face, as she raced through the neighborhood trying to get away from what she’d heard. She wanted to talk to someone about this, but who? She couldn’t tell Sarah. She’d never felt so alone before.
The downtown core came into view. Emmy slowed down, and for a moment she didn’t know where she was or how she’d gotten here. Everything was a blur. She stood on the cobblestone street. Tourists milled about and entered and exited the many shops.
She looked around, and that was when she saw him — a lone figure leaning against a street light. He was the same guy she’d seen near her school. The one Sarah couldn’t see. He was tall and very relaxed, in an annoying way. His eyes bore into her, but he never moved. If Grammie had been telling the truth, this guy could be working with Grisandole. She turned away from him, planning to run in the opposite direction.
“Oh, I’m sorry,” the young man said, when Emmy ran into him.
“
How? I just saw you standing over there.” She pointed to the lamp post across the street. There had to be a connection between him and the evil witch Grammie called Grisandole. Running away may have placed her in danger.
“I’ve been following you.” He smiled a maddeningly great smile that threatened to steal her breath.
“Why?”
“We need to talk.”
“I’m not going anywhere with you. I don’t know who you are, or why you’re following me, but I want to go home.” She turned to leave, but when he placed his hand on her arm, the electricity that flowed through them was startling. He released her arm as another wave rushed through them.
“I’ll tell you what you want to know, but there are too many eyes watching us out here. Let’s go into this coffee shop where we can talk in private.”
At least she could ask him the question she’d wanted to voice since she first saw him.
Emmy looked in and saw people sitting around, drinking coffee and eating baked goods. A small outdoor patio was also filled with people. At least they wouldn’t be alone. If anything happened, she could call for help.
He saw her hesitation. “Please.” He led her inside the small shop.
The room was bright, with round and square tables, and wooden chairs. A long counter where customers placed their orders and picked out their favorite deserts was strategically placed.
“What would you like?” he asked Emmy.
“Hot chocolate, please.” She felt chilled from the inside out. She’d left in a hurry and failed to bring a jacket. Spring in Salem was still chilly in the evening. “I’ll get us a table.”
He looked at her. “You’re not going to run?”
“No. I want to hear what you have to say, and then I’ll decide what to do.”
He smiled and suddenly Emmy relaxed. She picked a table set in the corner for privacy and took this opportunity to give him the once over. Tall and lean, he was hot. When he turned, she noticed his deep green eyes, as they swept the entire shop with concern. If Emmy was to choose one word to describe him, it would be beautiful… from his dark hair, strong chin and perfect physique, to his emerald gaze, he was beautiful.
Emmy felt a light blush color her cheeks with warmth. She wondered who he was, and why he’d want to be here with her. He was at least three years her senior. This wasn’t the norm for boys in this town. High school guys didn’t hang with junior high girls.
“Here you go.” He set a large cup in front of her topped with whipped cream and chocolate sprinkles.
Emmy smiled. “Thank you.” She watched as he sat down.
“Why are you out here alone?”
“I — first I’d like to know something. Who are you?”
“My apologies, Emmaria. My name is Ayden.”
“What did you call me?”
“Emmaria. That is your name, is it not?” He watched her closely.
“No. My name is Emmy.”
“Emmy? Are you sure?”
“I think I should know my name.” She took a sip of her hot chocolate and whipped cream mustached her upper lip. She wiped it clean with a napkin. “So, Ayden, why have you been following me?”
“Your life may be in danger and I’ve been chosen to protect you.” He watched her.
“What are you talking about?” Nervous and scared, she looked around the room.
“Did your grandmother discuss a strange topic with you?” Hope laced his voice.
“How do you know I live with my grandmother?”
“There is a lot of information I don’t have where you’re concerned.” He sipped his hot chocolate, but his eyes gleamed like cut emeralds. “And a lot of information I do have. I believe I have the right girl.”
“Right girl? I’m not sure I understand. But, I think you have some info I need.”
Ayden laughed and sipped his drink. His keen eyes scrutinized their surroundings. Whenever someone entered, his eyes were immediately drawn to the strangers stepping through the door.
“You haven’t answered my question.”
“What was your question?”
“How did you know about Grammie?”
“The Professor told me.” His green eyes bore into her blue ones.
“What professor?” Exasperation laced her voice.
“He’ll present himself to you when the time is right.”
“Why would he have to present himself to me? Can’t you tell me his name and what he wants with me?” Her frustration mounted.
“In time, these questions will be answered.” He continued to watch her every move.
“So, the Professor knows Grammie?” These vague answers were grating on her nerves. Every time she wanted to know something, he teased her with a minimal amount of information, that meant nothing to her.
“As I’ve said, I’ve been given the honor of being your protector.”
“Why would I need protection?” The thought of him staying close to her made her insides tingle.
“Did your grandmother tell you about the coven?”
“You mean that’s true?” Emmy was surprised.
“Yes. I’m certain everything your grandmother told you, was true.”
“I didn’t believe her, and so, I ran away.” Embarrassed, Emmy lowered her eyes, and watched the whipped cream melt into the chocolate. It was a few minutes before she looked at Ayden again.
“I followed you here in case you got into trouble.”
“I don’t know what you’re talking about.”
“Grisandole. We don’t want you to be seen or found out by either coven before the time is right.” Ayden didn’t know how much information was shared.
She shook her head in disbelief. “I wish you’d tell me the truth about everything that’s happening.”
“I’m sure your grandmother will tell you everything you need to know when she feels you are ready to hear her words.” He finished his drink and stood.
“I’m ready now,” Emmy said.
“If you ran away from her, you are not yet ready to hear the truth.”
“I guess.” She felt ashamed for running off the way she did. Grammie deserved Emmy’s confidence. She’d tell her that when she returned.
“Come on, I’ll see you home.”
Emmy nodded.
CHAPTER 5
PANDONIA
Ayden led Emmy from the coffee shop. He walked next to her, as they followed the infamous red line, that led tourists to different locations of the witch trials. She stared at him as they moved along the pavement, but he never glanced in her direction.
The top of her head reached his shoulder where his dark hair tickled his neck. His firm jaw, straight nose, and fuller lips, made him ruggedly handsome.
No words were spoken, as they turned down another street. Two more blocks, and she’d be home. This thought saddened her. She liked Ayden, and felt her cheeks burn with color, when he looked at her, and smiled. Ayden escorted Emmy to the door and followed her into the interior.
“Grammie!” She called out.
Grammie hurried to the door. “Emmy! Are you okay? I was so worried.” She looked her over just to make sure she wasn’t injured. She pulled her granddaughter to her and hugged her.
“I’m okay, Grammie.”
“Are you sure? You had me so worried.” She hugged Emmy once more.
“Yes, I’m fine.”
Grammie noticed the young man standing by the door. She gave him a once over and looked at her granddaughter. “Who’s this?” She nodded toward the handsome young man standing in the doorway.
“This is Ayden. He brought me home.”
“Thank you, young man.”
“It was my pleasure. The Professor sends his regards.” He bowed to Grammie, as was tradition when addressing someone of her stature.
&nb
sp; “The Professor?” She thought for a moment. “Of course, Ayden. He mentioned you were watching the streets. Any word?”
“No one has taken notice of Emmy, yet. I also made sure we weren’t followed.”
“Excellent. Would you like to come in?” Grammie asked.
“Perhaps another time. I must continue my search, and then I must report to the Professor.”
“You have an open invitation and once again, thank you,” Grammie said.
“There is no need to thank me.”
Emmy watched the interaction with confusion. Grammie seemed to know this mysterious Professor. She wished they’d let her in on their secrets.
“With your permission, I’ll take my leave.” Ayden bowed again, and turned toward his new friend. “Good night, Emmaria. Until we meet again.”
“Ayden, why couldn’t Sarah see you?”
“She never will. Only you can see me.”
“Huh. Thanks for the hot chocolate.” This was something she wanted Grammie to explain. What she really wanted was an explanation for this and everything that had happened today. But where should she start? What questions should she ask first? She wanted to know everything, but at the same time, she feared the truth.
“Anytime.” He left the house.
Grammie locked the door and even put the extra chain across the door. Taking a deep breath, she turned toward Emmy.
“Grammie, I…” Emmy wanted to apologize, but she didn’t know what she should apologize for. Leaving the way, she did, was wrong, but then again, Grammie had been lying to her all these years, and she felt that was worse than running away in a fit of fear and temper.
“I’m just happy you’re all right.” She hugged her fiercely once more. “Why did you run out on me? You could’ve been hurt.” She hugged her again.
“I didn’t mean to upset you, but I was scared. I didn’t know what else to do. I’m really sorry I didn’t trust you.”
“I know, Child.” She patted Emmy’s cheek. “Come, there is much to discuss.”
“I don’t know if I want to hear anything else tonight.” She walked into the kitchen and sat down with a thump in one of the wooden chairs. She laced her hands, and placed them on the table. Emmy leaned back and waited.
Emmy and the Coven of Witches Page 3
