Emmy and the Coven of Witches

by Janine Summers

  “I don’t understand.”

  “I know Grammie and the Professor have met on several occasions, but no one will tell me how they met, or what he has to do with us.”

  “How do you know the Professor has paid your Grandmother a visit?”

  “I’m not sure.”

  “Emmy, something’s changing around you. Your aura is enhanced,” he told her, as he raised his hand and felt the air around her slim form.

  “What are you talking about?”

  Ayden smiled. “Ever since I met you, your inner strength and your senses have intensified. You’ve become more attuned to your surroundings, and the powers still hiding within. You’re changing.”

  “How do you know that?” Ever since she found out that she was a part of the Coven of Orenda, strange things have happened. She was afraid of the weird feelings developing inside of her and she wasn’t sure how to handle the emotions bubbling beneath her skin, ready to burst free.

  “I just know.”

  “If you’re so smart, why don’t you answer my question?”

  “The Professor and Grammie are old friends. It’s a mystery to me how or when they met, but I know he’s very fond of her.”

  “Why does he visit Grammie when I’m not around?” They continued their walk home.

  “I don’t know. When you meet the Professor, ask him.” Ayden smiled at her.

  “When do I get to meet him?”

  Ayden shrugged. “I’m not sure.”

  “Doesn’t he want to meet me? I’m not that bad.”

  Ayden laughed at her. “The Professor is different. He has a plan and he follows it to the letter, but when he’s ready to meet you, then and only then will you meet.”

  “I guess I’ll have to wait.” She soured her face. “One more secret to throw on top of the ever-growing pile of secrets. This is getting on my nerves.”

  “I understand your feelings.”

  They arrived without incident.

  “Safe and sound, as promised,” Ayden stated with pride.

  “Thanks. Would you like to come in?”

  “Perhaps another time. I have to meet with the Professor.”

  “Can you tell him that I’d like to meet him.”

  “I’ll relay your message.”

  “Thanks.”

  “By the way, you’re not bad at all.” With a bow, he watched her go inside.

  Emmy went to the front window and watched him leave.

  CHAPTER 15

  THE INITIATION

  “Grammie, I’m home.”

  “In here.”

  Emmy entered the kitchen. The curtains were drawn and the room was bathed in darkness. Tears trickled down the sides of a large beeswax candle. A soft reddish glow and a pungent aroma of incense engulfed the room.

  Emmy was speechless, as she looked around the kitchen and dinette. A ball of fear took shape in her stomach making her place a hand on her chest as though she were about to have a heart attack.

  “Grammie, what’s going on?” She stayed in the doorway.

  “It’s time for you to discover who you are.” Grammie turned once and again, and when she stopped, she wore dark robes that fell to the floor. They glistened in the candlelight in deep blue hues.

  “How did you do that?” Eyes wide in wonder, she stepped into the kitchen and waited… for what, she wasn’t sure, but she felt her life was about to change… again.

  “Come here and I’ll show you.” Grammie held out her hand.

  Emmy’s trembling hand reached for Grammie’s, and instantly felt the heat and electricity flow through her arm. She wanted to pull away from her grandmother, but her hold on Emmy’s hand was strong and sure, even though, this was a side of Grammie she’d never seen before. “Please tell me what’s happening. I don’t think I can handle any more surprises.”

  Together, they approached the table.

  “I’m going to teach you to tap into the magic hiding within your soul. You’ll become the witch you were born to be and reach new levels of magic. Then you’ll take your place in the coven.”

  Emmy moved to the table but was halted by Grammie’s hand.

  “What’s wrong?”

  “Not yet. Come here.” Grammie brought Emmy to the center of the kitchen. “I want you to concentrate.”

  “On what?” Fear crawled inside of her, whenever she thought about doing magic.

  “On the way, I’m dressed. On the way, you must dress to join me in the Coven of Orenda.” Grammie’s eyes never left Emmy’s face.

  “Are you serious?” This had to be a dream… a nightmare. None of this was true. It couldn’t be. She’ll wake up and find she’s tucked into her bed, and realize this magic stuff was nothing more than an imaginative dream.

  “Absolutely. Now do as you’re told.”

  “I don’t know if I can.”

  “Yes, you do. Emmy, I understand how scared you are. If things were different, you would have been schooled in the art of magic from birth, but once Grisandole decided she deserved the power of the Crystal Wand, we had to suppress your magic.” She held up her hand. “Before you say anything else, remember, I’ll be beside you every step of the way. Nothing will happen to you. You must trust me and trust the power within. Now concentrate,” Grammie commanded.

  “I… I trust you, but… no, it doesn’t matter. I must do what’s expected of me. Here goes nothing.” Emmy closed her eyes and searched her soul. She put her arms out and spun. She turned and turned. Laughter bubbled up as she spun around and around.

  When she stopped, and opened her eyes, Emmy’s head swam, as the kitchen continued to spin all around her. She shook her head and soon the kitchen returned to normal. She noticed the room had darkened even more. It was night time. She must have passed out. The full moon shone through the small crack in the curtains. Its light fell onto the kitchen table.

  “Excellent!”

  “What is?” Emmy asked, not understanding the result.

  “Here, have a look,” Grammie said, as she gave Emmy a mirror.

  Emmy stared at her reflection. She allowed her eyes to travel down and saw the crimson robes fall to the floor. She raised her eyes and saw Grammie’s smile. “How?” Emmy held up her arm and the sleeves fell past her knees. “This dress is awesome! Totally awesome!”

  “Yes, it is. This is your official witch’s garb.”

  “What’s an official witch’s garb?”

  “When you attend ceremonies, this is what you will wear, but not until we have defeated Grisandole.”

  “Really?”

  “Yes. As for your first question, we are releasing your magic. Come with me.”

  Emmy left the mirror on the counter after taking one more look at her reflection and moved to the table.

  On a tray, a golden pitcher and a matching goblet were positioned near an ornate chair decorated with large peacock feathers, and when she sat in it, they tickled her. The entire chair was draped in layers of gold and purple satin that pooled around its legs.

  She looked at Grammie. “What’s with the chair?”

  “You’ll see.”

  Emmy watched Grammie’s approach. She didn’t fear what was about to take place. She decided to place her trust in her guardian.

  “Emmy, I’d like you to understand that this ritual is usually performed before the High Priestess of the Coven, but since your existence must be kept a secret, this ritual will be performed here, with me. Do you have any questions or concerns before we begin?”

  “Of course, I do Grammie. It was daylight a moment ago. What happened?” She wanted to spew one question after another, but something told her to wait until this was over and done with.

  “Magic. Soon you’ll understand the powers hiding within. Everything else will fall into place.”

  Emmy sat
still as waves of fear washed over her slight form. A tremor rushed through her when she saw Grammie pour a thick golden liquid into the ancient, ceremonial goblet. Bubbles rose to the surface and threatened to spill over. She took the goblet into her hand and raised it toward the moon. The goblet slowly glowed beneath the moon’s touch. “Accept this child as a daughter of the Coven of Orenda.” Grammie spoke to the spirits of the ancient coven.

  She handed Emmy the goblet. “Please take a sip and accept that which is rightfully yours.”

  Emmy looked at the foam the odd liquid produced. “You’re kidding.”

  “Do not mock the liquid of power. This is the highest honor the spirit world can bestow upon you.”

  “I’m sorry.”

  “Take a sip and become one of us.”

  Emmy wasn’t sure she wanted to become a member of this order, especially if it meant more trouble for her. She wasn’t sure she was ready to face all the responsibilities associated with this Coven, but when she saw the look on Grammie’s face, Emmy did what was expected of her. She raised the goblet and let the golden liquid touch her lips. Eyes closed, she swallowed the liquid gold, surprised at the pleasant and euphoric taste that flooded her mouth.

  “Drink some more.”

  Emmy didn’t mind. The drink was velvety and tasted of fruit, but she couldn’t put a name to the flavor. She emptied the goblet and felt her body waver. Her head ached, the room spun. What was happening to her?

  Grammie stood by and kept an eye on the effects. She helped Emmy rise and led her to the center of the kitchen where the large moon graced the floor with its pure light.

  Emmy faced the window and allowed the moonbeam to shower her with its light. She swayed and accepted the light into her soul. She lost her balance and started to fall.

  Grammie stepped forward and caught her and gently placed her on the floor to allow the moonlight to finish the initiation. Once the light receded, Grammie closed the curtains. She returned to Emmy’s side, when she heard her moan and stir.

  “Get up, dear. The initiation has been completed,” Grammie told her with pride.

  “It has?” Emmy tried to sit up, but the room was still moving. “My head. What happened?” She tried to focus on what had occurred, but it caused her head to throb even more.

  “I know. The effects will be gone by morning. Come with me. I’ll help you upstairs. It’s time for bed.”

  With Grammie’s help, Emmy made it to her room where she fell on the bed, exhausted and confused. Grammie used her magic and with a flick of her wrist, Emmy was dressed in her nightgown. She placed a blanket over her granddaughter, and turned off the lights. At the door, she turned back and looked at Emmy. “Sleep tight, my little witch.” She left the room.

  CHAPTER 16

  GRISANDOLE’S SEARCH

  Grisandole walked the streets of Salem, her mission…to find and capture the Valittu. All she knew was she had to search for a young girl, who has seen thirteen summers… a perfect age to begin searching for the wand. Grisandole wanted the wand more than anything… for she alone deserved its power.

  Up one street and down the other, she shuffled along the walkways in search of her prey. She passed small and large houses, whose lawn touched the sidewalks as large, leafy trees graced the yards and shaded pedestrians making their way around Salem.

  At her hags’ approach, she barked, “Did you find her?”

  “No, Mistress.”

  “Such incompetence!” Her voice resounded in the night, as her feet continued to take her further into the heart of the town.

  “But Mistress,” one of the grizzled old women stepped forward cautiously, “In all fairness, we don’t know the child’s identity.”

  “I do not want excuses. I want that girl! Now keep searching!” She knew the Valittu was hiding somewhere in the city.

  “Yes Mistress.” The three hags bowed in fear.

  Grisandole watched them shuffle off to do their duty. She turned to Bertha, and said, “That child is here. I can sense her presence. Find her before she vanishes.” There had to be an easier way to find the girl. They could spend day after day trying to locate her, but she didn’t have that luxury. The Crystal Wand had to be found and soon.

  As Grisandole turned around, she saw the moonbeam being pulled down toward the earth. A smile curled her thin lips. “Bertha.”

  “Yes Mistress.”

  “There.” She pointed in the direction of the beam of light.

  “Is it the child?”

  “It must be. The Coven of Orenda is initiating her. We need to find that house before its completion.”

  “Why? We can still track the area.”

  “Fool! Once her initiation into the Coven is complete we’ll be forced to fight them all and not just her guardian. Without the child, the Crystal Wand will be lost.” Grisandole turned away from Bertha, who ran to keep up with her mistress’ hurried pace and stayed two respectful steps behind.

  They hurried trying to figure out where the beam touched down, but by the time they made their way toward the light, it retracted into the moon. The initiation is over.

  “What do we do now?” Bertha inquired.

  “I fear we may be too late. She is now a member of the Coven of Orenda. This sheds a new light on everything.”

  “I don’t understand.” Bertha looked lost and almost fearful of her Mistress’ anger.

  A bolt of lightning came down from the sky and landed a foot away from where Bertha now stood.

  “A thousand pardons, Mistress,” Bertha cried in fear. Grisandole’s temper was legendary.

  “Go out there and find that girl. I’ll be waiting at the house.” In a huff, she turned, her robes flying around her, as she stomped away from Bertha.

  CHAPTER 17

  THE DAY AFTER

  The next morning, Emmy came downstairs, and entered the kitchen. “Good morning, Grammie.” She kissed her cheek.

  “How are you feeling?”

  “I’m not sure. What happened to me?”

  “When a young witch completes her initiation, many changes begin. The ascension to full member of the coven takes its toll on a young girl. You’ll recover and once your powers settle, you’ll have use of your magic.”

  Emmy went to the refrigerator and took out a glass pitcher of orange juice and poured out two glasses. She decided to see the effects of the initiation. A soft glow emanated from her hands, and the glasses rose and flew without restraint to the table.

  Emmy laughed, as Grammie clapped at her success. “Excellent.”

  “I didn’t know I could do anything like that.” At first the thought of being a witch frightened her, but now she was beginning to understand and enjoy her powers. She felt she could do anything.

  “How does it feel?”

  “Awesome, Grammie, just awesome. Can I go to school today?”

  “Yes, but remember, you cannot use your powers in front of anyone.”

  “Not even Sarah?”

  “No, not even Sarah. Emmy, sit down.” Grammie joined her granddaughter. “Remember that people don’t know about us, and for good reason. No one except for other witches, know about the magic we carry inside. If this ever got out, we’d be exploited. Can you imagine people’s reaction to our abilities?”

  Emmy thought for a moment. “I guess you’re right.”

  “That’s my girl. Now get ready for school while I make breakfast.”

  Emmy went upstairs and changed into her uniform. As she put her books into her bag, she wondered what her life would be like. A week ago, her main concern was to graduate from the eighth grade, and enter high school, but now, so many things have changed. Emmy didn’t know if she could handle the responsibility of being a witch.

  She checked her reflection in the mirror, not knowing what to expect. For some reason, she thought she’d see
major changes, but she looked the same. She leaned in closer and checked her eyes, stuck out her tongue… nothing. Would anyone else see the difference? Could anyone tell what transpired last night?

  Emmy went back downstairs and found Grammie waiting for her.

  “Something wrong?” Emmy asked when she saw the look on Grammie’s face.

  “No, but I want you to be careful. Grisandole is still out there. She and her hags won’t rest until they’ve found you.”

  “Why does she want me?”

  “Grisandole wants the power hidden within the wand, and she will stop at nothing to find you and force you to retrieve it for her.”

  “And you think I’m the only person who can find this wand?” She didn’t know if she was comfortable with such a notion.”

  “Yes, you are. One day you’ll find the wand, and then, Emmy, you’ll sit on the throne as our queen, but until then, you have to go to school.”

  “Yes, Grammie.” Emmy kissed her cheek and left the house.

  Ayden leaned against a light post and crossed to the other side when he saw her.

  “Hi Ayden.”

  “How are you feeling today?”

  “You know?” She wondered how Ayden always knew what she was doing. This bothered her more than she wanted to admit.

  “Yes. But on the downside, Grisandole and her hags also know the initiation was performed last night.”

  “Really?” She didn’t know if she should be afraid. Would her life change repeatedly? So many questions ran through her mind with no answers.

  A slight breeze came off the ocean and glided over them. She’d rather spend the day with Ayden, but that wasn’t about to happen. She had to finish her year and attend her graduation.

  “Yes. Anyone who read the signs knows the ritual was performed.”

  “So why was it done?”

  “The Professor felt it was time to induct you into the Coven. He wanted you to have their protection. Once you become a member, the witches cannot abandon you. They will fight to the death to protect you from harm.”