A pot of tea and two cups sat on the table. Emmy poured some milk into both cups. She poured out the tea. Grammie brought sandwiches to the table. She believed tea helped make everything better. Emmy smiled at the thought, since this evening had been made better by a cup of hot chocolate.
“I know how frightening this is for you, but I want you to be aware of what is occurring in Salem.”
“I’d rather not know.” Emmy played with the china cup. She didn’t want tea, but she and Grammie had some of their best talks sitting at this table sipping tea from her finest china.
“You need to hear the truth. Only then, will I be able to help you prepare for what is yet to come.”
“I’m afraid to ask.” She took a sandwich and bit into it realizing she’d run out before dinner.
“I know how you feel, but that doesn’t change what has begun.” Grammie sounded so cryptic.
“I’m listening.”
The older woman took a sip of her tea, and sat back in her chair. “You know that in 1692, many innocent people were murdered as witches, to gather and steal the riches of those poor souls.”
“Yes of course. We learned all about the witch trials in school.”
“Pandonia who was your great, grandmother five times removed, was arrested for being a witch. She was tried and found guilty of witchcraft.”
“Really? Was she executed?”
“No. Just like us, your grandmother was a real witch. She decided to teach the townspeople a lesson, by making sure the court knew a real witch would never allow herself to be hanged. She disappeared before the court hoping to stop the senseless killings.”
“Where did she go?” Emmy was enthralled by this tale.
“That’s a little more difficult to explain.” Grammie played with the napkin next to her saucer.
“What do you mean?”
“Salem is a wonderful town. Its notoriety stems from the death of the innocent. Blood was spilled in the name of greed. Pandora knew what was happening, and she desperately tried to stop the bloodshed. But the people feared the hanging judge and those who would point fingers at them even more.”
“So, more people died.”
“Yes. Pandonia tried to help them stand up for truth and justice, but their fear won out.”
“What does Pandonia’s story have to do with me, with us.”
“Pandonia was a great sorceress, as was your mother. What does that say about us?”
“You’re telling me that I’m like them — like you?”
“Yes I am. The shattered pitcher was caused by an accidental use of magic. I will help you tap into the gift living within.”
Emmy thought about everything Grammie had said, and listened to the rest of the story. “What happened to Pandonia?” She finished her tea.
“In time, I will tell you, but for now, I want you to understand that you are different... that we are different.”
“Different?”
“Perhaps special is a better word. You are your mother’s daughter, and there is much we must do to prepare you for what is yet to come.”
“Like what?”
“Now that you know about your ancestry, I must help you to discover the witch within, and bring her to the surface.”
“Grammie, I don’t know if this is true or not, but I don’t see why we have to do anything. Can’t we just pretend this never happened and go back to the way things were?”
“We can never go back.” Grammie shook her head for emphasis
“I’d sure like to try,” Emmy said with a slight laugh.
“Have you ever heard the name, Grisandole?”
“Yes. You mentioned her, as did Ayden.” She had hoped this Grisandole wasn’t real. She wondered if Grammie came up with this story to scare her so that she wouldn’t want to go to graduation.
“Well, Grisandole is searching for you.”
“Me? Why would Grisandole want me?” The more she heard, the less she understood. She shook her head.
“She means to find you.”
“Why?”
“I can’t tell you everything right now, but I can tell you a little bit more.”
“Grammie, I don’t think I want to hear any more. I just want things to go back to the way they were before any of this witch business began.”
“There’s no going back.” She smiled at Emmy to remove some of the fear clouding her eyes. “I think we’ve talked enough for tonight. Tomorrow, we’ll try a little magic. It’ll be fun, trust me,” Grammie said.
After a moment of silence, Emmy said, “Okay Grammie, I’ll give it a try. I can’t promise anything, though.”
“Excellent! If you’re finished your sandwich, it’s time for bed.”
Emmy stood and kissed Grammie’s cheek. “Good night.” As she lay in bed, her thoughts circled around her earlier discoveries. She didn’t know what to believe. Her thoughts drifted to eyes the color of emeralds and dark hair just a shade lighter than the black she’d originally thought it was. She wondered how soft his hair would feel. When he smiled at her, she’d felt her heart skip a beat. Was this what it was like to have your first real crush on someone?
She knew Sarah liked Rob, and she really liked Danny. They were the cutest guys in their class. But where they were boys, Ayden possessed strength and something the boys nowadays didn’t have. She wasn’t sure what the word was, but she was sure about how she felt when she was with him. There was something so grown up about him, and yet, she knew he was only a few years her senior.
Slowly, her tired eyes closed and sleep took her away from strange tales of magic and handsome good looks, and threw her into an endless dream.
A castle loomed before her. She entered and walked the stone corridors. She stopped in the doorway of a cavernous room. A large fireplace broke the monotony of the stone walls. A large wooden table was centered in the room, and upon its dark surface, there was a glass coffin, occupied by an unknown form. She looked around the room and found it devoid of life. Even with a large fire blazing in the hearth, the room held a coldness that couldn’t be consoled.
Emmy tossed in her bed.
Slowly, she approached the glass case wanting to discover the identity of the occupant.
Emmy turned onto her right side and pulled the covers around her. The room had chilled since she entered the dream-world.
She stared at the beautiful woman lying in death. Long, platinum hair haloed her frame. Emmy looked at the lovely woman whose eyes were closed in silent slumber. Silver and white robes encased her delicate form as she lay on the pale satin bed. Emmy touched the glass.
Large blue eyes opened.
Emmy screamed and sat up. Her breathing ragged, she tried to focus on her surroundings, but the room was dark. She trembled.
“Emmy! Emmy! What’s wrong?” Grammie’s worried tone brought Emmy back to the present.
“I — I’m all right.”
Grammie entered the room and sat on the bed, next to her granddaughter. She took Emmy’s hands in hers and rubbed them until the warmth spread through the iciness.
“I heard you scream.”
“Nightmare,” Emmy said, trying to steady her hands. She pulled them away from Grammie, but continued to rub them.
“Would you like to talk about it?”
“There’s nothing to talk about, Grammie. I think those stories you told, got to me.” Emmy saw the disbelief in Grammie’s face. Something hung in the air like dark cloud. She wondered if Grammie sensed the same things she did.
“Are you sure?”
“I am. Goodnight.” Emmy pulled the comforter over her, hoping she wouldn’t have that disturbing dream again.
“Goodnight, Child.” Grammie kissed her forehead with genuine affection.
Emmy waited until Grammie closed the door. She shuddered. Who was that
woman lying in the coffin, and why was she dreaming about her? First, she’d seen this woman’s death, and now she watched the woman come back to life. This wasn’t a good sign.
She closed her eyes and returned to the world of dreams.
CHAPTER 6
MAGIC TIME
Emmy came into the kitchen, dressed for another school day. She smiled when she spotted Grammie by the stove, pancakes flying into the air, then flipping over, and landing on the griddle. She clapped her hands. “Will I ever be able to do that?”
Grammie turned with a smile. “Yes, and much more. Are you excited at the prospect?” The pancakes floated off the griddle, and fell onto two plates she’d set for breakfast.
“And scared.” Emmy placed the bottle of maple syrup into the microwave. Once the desired heat was reached, she placed it next to the butter.
Grammie’s tone was serious when she approached the table. “Just remember, one very important thing, Emmy. No matter what, you can never, ever disclose these powers to anyone. No one must ever know who, or what we are. Do you understand?”
“Not even Sarah?” She speared a piece of pancake floating in maple syrup.
“No, not even Sarah. The dangers inherent are too many to list. Mortals could never understand our powers, or the control it takes to suppress such magic. Mortals cannot know of our existence.”
“I guess I understand, but why do we have keep this secret?”
“Can you imagine what life would be like if the mortals found out there were real witches living in Salem? We wouldn’t get a moment’s peace. They’d want us to use our magic for all sorts of things.”
“Like what?”
“The most popular request has always been money. Everyone wants to be rich, not to mention, they want to live forever, and never get sick. Those things are not in our power to give or to prevent.”
Emmy thought for a moment. “I guess you’re right, but Grammie, couldn’t I just tell Sarah? I know she’d keep my secret.”
“Don’t be so sure. If she realized you were different, she may not want to be your friend. People behave strangely when faced with the unknown.”
“She wouldn’t do that. Sarah’s my best friend. I know she’d never betray me or you. She loves us.”
“Even if she kept your secret, it could be dangerous for her. If Grisandole or one of her followers found her, they’d force her to divulge all your secrets. It’s best that we keep this between us.”
“I guess you’re right.” Dismay clouded her eyes. What was the point of finding out you have secret powers, if you couldn’t tell anyone? It wasn’t fair.
“Good. I’d rather you make an old woman happy and keep our secret.” Grammie pouted much the way Emmy did whenever she didn’t get her own way.
Emmy giggled. “You’re not old.” Emmy cleared the table, took her schoolbag, and left the house. She wanted to talk to someone about her powers but she’d respect Grammie’s request.
She glanced across the street and smiled when she saw Ayden waiting for her.
He crossed and stood next to her. “Good morning, Emmaria?”
“Hi Ayden. I didn’t expect to see you today.” Emmy smiled excitedly. She felt comfortable with him, except for his tremendous good looks, which must be the envy of most guys his age.
“I’m here to protect you.”
“I still don’t know why I need protecting. I’m just going to school.”
“Anything can happen on these streets, and my mission is to make sure nothing out of the ordinary happens.” Today he wore a deep purple shirt tucked neatly into dark pants. His eyes sparkled like emeralds whenever he looked at her, while his smile warmed her heart.
“Can anyone else see you?”
“Yes, but only as far as the corner where your friend meets you. After that, only you will be able to see me.”
“One of these days, you’ll have to tell me how you do that.” Emmy stared at Ayden. He was unbelievably attractive and she had difficulty concentrating.
He smiled as though he read her thoughts. What a disturbing notion. She wondered about the connection she’d felt yesterday when he touched her arm. She’d never felt anything as strong as the bond she felt growing between them.
“Maybe we’ll have another opportunity to share hot chocolate and I’ll tell you some of my secrets.”
“Now that’s a date.” She’d like nothing more than to know all about this mysterious guy she’d only just met. She felt he had the answers she sought, and as a bonus, she enjoyed being with him. It was a win — win situation.
“I’ll take my leave of you. Your friend should be coming up the street. Remember, if you need me, I’ll be here.”
“Thanks. I’ll see you later.” Emmy waited for Sarah, who showed up a few minutes later. Together they made their way to school.
CHAPTER 7
THE FIRST SIGN
Dark clouds crawled across the moon with a withered hand, casting the street below in twilight. The empty streets were perfect on this night, and quite unusual, since most nights, the streets were filled with tourists, but this night was engulfed with an overwhelming stillness.
The wind howled and gusted through the trees. Hanging signs, from the many buildings, recklessly swayed. Small leaves were torn from branches only to dance upon the deserted pavement. A flash of light traveled across the darkening sky, illuminating the town, followed by the distant rumble of thunder that shook the earth below.
Grammie watched the signs from her bedroom window. She waited for another flash of light, another rumble of thunder, to signify an approaching storm, but nothing happened. The silence shrouded the city in a dark cocoon. She knew what this meant. Her hands trembled.
“No, it can’t be! Not now! Not yet!” She put on her pale blue robe, and ran down the stairs. She stopped to check the signs once more. They were there, just as she feared.
Marsilia checked the skies once more, in case she’d misread the warnings, but the clouds were black and filled with evil. She shook her head in sadness and fear, as she turned away from the window and wondered what would happen to Emmy. She wasn’t ready to face the evil that Grammie sensed arrived in Salem on lightning’s wings. She shook her head and climbed up the stairs. She stopped in front of Emmy’s door and listened. Everything was quiet.
She returned to her room and turned on the small lamp on her nightstand. Marsilia went to the dresser, opened the top drawer and searched beneath her undergarments until her fingers touched the cold metal. She removed the golden amulet, and stared at its beauty. The golden phoenix stared back at her with ruby eyes. A long golden tail trailed down and touched the bottom of the circle in which it sat.
She secured the amulet around her neck. Slowly, she returned to the window and pulled back the curtains. She looked up at the sky and saw the finger of evil grasp the moon. A tear glistened in her pale eyes and trickled down her cheek. There was nothing more to do. Marsilia returned to bed, as her thoughts centered on the trouble brewing. She hoped the coven was powerful enough to defeat the evil descending on Salem.
“You know what will happen if she’s discovered, Marsilia.” The tall, handsome visitor sat in the overstuffed recliner in Grammie’s family room.
“Yes Professor, I’m aware of the consequences, but I believe she’s safer here with me. I refuse to entrust her protection to anyone else. I’m sure you can understand my position.” Grammie lived in fear that one day Emmy would be taken away from her and hidden in some distant realm. If she were taken, Marsilia would never recover from the torment she’d have to endure.
“Perhaps. But I can only support your position for the time being. Now that Grisandole’s arrival has come to fruition, we will need to discuss other options. I will do what is best for the child. My feelings for you and our friendship cannot sway me, or my decision.”
“I know. I worry abo
ut her well-being every day. The thought of Grisandole finding her scares me, but I’ve been chosen to perform a sacred duty, and I will do my utmost to protect her.” Marsilia’s blue eyes flashed in defiance.
“Grisandole isn’t someone to be trifled with.” His dark eyes reflected the severity his words produced.
“I would like to thank you for your kindness Professor, but there is no need to worry. If my granddaughter’s existence and her whereabouts are never discovered, we should be safe.”
“I cannot guarantee Grisandole’s ignorance to Emmaria’s existence. We must be vigilant.”
Grammie stood when the kettle whistled its readiness. She poured boiling water into the teapot and steeped the teabags. She placed a plate of homemade cookies on a tray, along with cups and saucers and returned to the family room to pour out the tea. She handed a lovely floral-patterned china cup and saucer, to the Professor.
“Thank you.” He leaned back in the chair and crossed one leg over the other.
Grammie sat down and raised the cup to her lips. It had been some time since their last meeting, and yet this man who now sat in her home, hadn’t aged a day. His steely dark eyes stared at her, while his strong jaw cradled a sly smile. White teeth gave him a youthful and mischievous grin. He was, without a doubt one of the most handsome men, Grammie had ever seen — the most handsome and the most mysterious man in her life. She’d known him longer than a few decades and yet, she knew very little about him, except he always came when she needed him.
“Marsilia, I am certain you are wondering at my presence.”
“Yes Professor, I am. I could have received a missive, warning me.”
“This is true. I was asked to come here and tell you Grisandole was on the move, however in the interim, she has arrived. I believe she is searching for the Valittu as we speak.”
“I read the signs last night.” Grammie worried her napkin. The coven, although strong, wasn’t strong enough to fight the evil Grisandole could rain down on them. She feared for her granddaughter’s life.
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