“That was awesome. It was like watching Harry Potter at work.”
“Who?”
Emmy laughed. “Never mind. Thank you, Ayden. You always seem to be there when I need you most.” She turned and hugged him.
Ayden returned the hug. “I’m at your service.”
“I don’t understand you.”
“I know.” He bowed. “Now then, if you’re all right, I will take my leave.”
Emmy enjoyed his company. His strength nurtured her. She wanted to stay close to him. She shook the feelings away, wondering why she felt this way. It was as though a special bond wound its way around them, and joined them together.
“Would you like something to drink?”
“Thank you.”
“There’s some iced tea in the fridge. Well, I hope there’s still some there.”
“Perfect.” Ayden sat down and waited.
Emmy sat next to him and using her own magic, she watched the pitcher tilt and fill the two glasses she’d summoned from the cupboard. It floated to the wooden surface of the table. Ayden spoke the truth. Everything returned to normal.
“Emmy, I need to tell you something.”
“What is it?”
“I can sense your thoughts and feelings.”
“What?” She turned a lovely shade of pink. “How can you know what I’m thinking?”
“I don’t know what you’re thinking. I can only sense your emotions. There’s a connection between us. I don’t know or understand its origin, but we are emotionally connected... of that I am certain.” Ayden sipped his drink and waited.
“I don’t know if I’m okay with that.” Emmy didn’t know how to react. His gaze on her was so intense she didn’t know what to say.
“We may have little choice in this matter.”
“So, what do we do?” Emmy feared allowing any thoughts into her mind.
“Do not fear our connection, Emmy.”
“My thoughts are private.”
“As are mine, but our emotions are shared. I can’t read your mind and you cannot read mine, but for some reason, I can sense when you’re afraid, sad, or happy. I believe you will be able to know my feelings as well.”
“So, that’s why you appeared when I was cornered by the hags.”
“In a sense. I was keeping an eye on you, but on the day the hags surrounded you, I felt your fear and followed it. That’s how I found you.”
“I think I understand. I guess if I have to be connected to someone, I’m glad it’s you.”
“My sentiments exactly. I know you received your mark last night.”
“I did.” She wasn’t surprised by his statement.
“May I see it?” Ayden wondered how closely tied they were to each other.
“Sure.” Emmy pulled up the short sleeve of her shirt to show off her mark.
Ayden looked at her shoulder. The eagle was still perched. He never moved. If anyone saw the mark, their assumption would be… a tattoo, but he knew better. “Interesting. Your guide is an eagle.” He stated this with concern.
“Is something wrong?” Emmy looked at her mark with admiration.
“No, nothing’s wrong. The eagle is indeed a sign of royalty. I take it Grammie was pleased you received this particular mark.”
“Yes, she was. Why?”
“No reason.”
Emmy sensed he lied to her and she told him so.
Ayden laughed. “I guess I should tell you the truth. I won’t be able to hide anything from you. What a disturbing thought.”
“That would be a novelty.” She smiled, enjoying the banter.
Ayden unbuttoned his shirt and pulled the right sleeve down to reveal his mark.
“You also have a mark?” Emmy didn’t know why this should surprise her.
“Yes, I do. I’m a wizard, and I also belong to the Ancient Order of Wizards. I went through my initiation a few years back.”
She touched his mark. The brown bird took flight. “Is that an eagle?”
“Close. It’s a hawk.”
“What does that mean?”
“We are connected on more than one plane. The eagle is the epitome of all marks, but the hawk is the center of its universe. I have been chosen to protect you. This is our connection.” He pulled his shirt back up.
“So, wouldn’t you be called a warlock?”
“No. That term is used when dealing with dark magic… a craft that worships the devil. I do not.”
“I didn’t know.”
“I understand. Emmy, you can ask me anything. If I can answer your questions, I will.”
“And if you can’t?”
“Then I will tell you that I cannot, but I will be as honest as I possibly can.”
“What happens now?”
“Until the threat has passed, I will stay close by to protect you.”
The front door opened and closed. Ayden stood and cautiously walked toward the front foyer.
“Ayden, what are you doing here? What’s wrong? Where’s Emmy?”
“There is nothing to fear.”
Emmy walked into the room. “I’m okay.”
Grammie walked toward the kitchen. She looked around. “What happened?”
“How did you know?”
“I can feel the remnants of magic gone awry.”
“I was trying a spell and it went wild. Ayden helped me set things right.”
“I see. Thank you, Ayden. Your presence here is a comfort to me.”
“My pleasure. With your permission, I will take my leave.” He bowed.
Grammie turned toward her granddaughter who only had eyes for the newly departed young man. She smiled, but worry creased her brow. “So, how did your potion turn out?”
Emmy blushed. “Umm, it was ruined when I tried to blow out a candle.”
“I see. You breathed out a tornado?”
“How did you know?” This was too much. First Ayden tells her that he can sense her emotions and now she can’t hide anything from Grammie.
“It happens. Actually, I did the same thing many years ago.”
“Really?”
“Yes.”
“That makes me feel a little better.”
“Never feel foolish when making mistakes, as long as you learn from them.”
“I guess. What did Miss Norris say?”
“She was surprised to learn she’d been teaching the Valittu.”
“Do you have to tell people that I’m the Valittu?”
“I only tell those who need to know. In this case, Delphene needed to know. At least she understands why you aren’t attending class. If you turn in the work she’ll ascribe to you, you will graduate with your class.”
“Thank you.” She was so excited at the prospect of being able to attend her graduation. Now she’ll be able to have her first date with Danny.
“Here’s your homework.”
“I’ll get started right away.” Emmy took the books from Grammie’s outstretched hand, and returned to the table. Her assignments were written on a separate sheet. She read the instructions, turned towards her computer and set about completing her homework.
CHAPTER 23
EMMY’S SECRET
Emmy’s cell phone rang. She ran into the other room to answer the call. She rarely used it these days. It was far too difficult to come up with lies that her friends would believe and so, she left it wherever it landed. Her phone became a constant reminder of how different her life was.
“Hey Emmy, it’s Sarah. How are you feeling?”
“I’m okay.”
“I heard through the grapevine, you’re not coming back to school.”
“I’m not. I was about to text you.”
There was a pause on the other end of the call. “Ok, wh
at’s up with you? I thought we’re BFF.” Sarah sounded wounded. “I don’t know who you are. You’ve changed and I don’t know why you don’t want to be friends.”
Sarah’s plea hit Emmy hard. She loved Sarah and more than anything, she wanted to tell her everything she’d been going through. Unfortunately, she wasn’t allowed to discuss anything about the changes taking over her life. Lying to her friend wasn’t easy. It may be necessary, but it wasn’t easy. “We are friends Sarah. This wasn’t my idea. It’s Grammie’s.”
“I don’t understand.”
“I came down with a bug and until the doctor says I can return to class, I’m stuck at home. You know how protective Grammie gets with me.”
“Why don’t I believe you?”
“I don’t know. I have to go. I’ll call you tomorrow.”
“Sounds like I’m getting the brush.”
“No, but I need to lie down for a while. Talk to you later.” Without waiting for a reply, Emmy pressed the disconnect button. Tears filled her eyes as she looked down at her phone. This was another reminder that someone else was running her life. Grisandole came to Salem to hunt her down, and make her suffer.
“Was that Sarah?” Grammie asked from the family room.
“Yeah. I hated lying to her.” Emmy felt she’d lost her best friend. All she ever did these days, was lie to everyone who meant anything to her. She hated the feeling that loneliness was becoming her only friend.
“I know how difficult this is for you, Emmy, but it’s necessary if we’re to keep you safe. I hope you understand our… my position.”
“I do, but I feel like a heel.”
“I know. You’re thirteen and you want to be with your friends. I’m certain you feel as though you’ve been sentenced to spending time, either alone or with an old woman. No young girl should have to hide this way and I’m sorry for this.”
“I don’t blame you, Grammie. I love spending time with you. I guess I feel as if someone else is dictating my life. I hate the way it makes me feel. I want my life back and knowing I can’t go back, makes it that much harder on me.”
“Emmy, there’s no easy way to handle this situation. I think you need to come to terms with what is expected of you.”
“It’s so hard. I really miss Sarah.”
“I know Sweetie.”
“Can’t I see her? Maybe she could come here. Please Grammie.”
“Let me think on it.”
Emmy knew she’d do everything in her power to make her happy. By late afternoon, Emmy finished her schoolwork, and went into the family room. She sat next to Grammie.
“Done?”
“Yes. How am I going to hand it in?”
“I’ll take it in tomorrow before class and bring your next assignments home.”
“I could give it to Sarah. She could hand it in to Miss Norris for me.”
“All right. Sarah can come over, but remember, she cannot know what’s been happening to you. And whatever you do, make sure she doesn’t see your mark.”
“Don’t worry. I know how important secrecy is. Besides, I don’t want to endanger Sarah.”
“When young girls get together and start talking, anything can be said. I want to make sure you understand that you’re doing this for Sarah too. If the hags ever see the two of you together, there’s no telling what they’ll do to Sarah to gather the information they seek.”
“Grammie, I wouldn’t do anything to hurt Sarah. I’ll make sure I watch what I say.”
“That’s my girl.”
“I’ll call her. Thanks.” Emmy kissed her cheek, and ran from the room. At least she’d have some time with her friend, before and after school.
“Have Sarah come by before supper.
“I can invite her over?”
“Yes. I have been summoned to a meeting this evening. I would prefer it if Sarah wasn’t here when I’m gone.”
“What kind of meeting?”
“I won’t know until my arrival later on.”
“Where’s the meeting?”
“I cannot tell you. The location of our meetings must be kept a secret.”
“Can’t I come with you? After all, I am a member of the coven.”
“Yes, you are, but I won’t allow you to attend. I refuse to take any chances where your safety is concerned.
“So, when do I get to meet the coven.”
“Once the threat is over, you’ll be introduced to the coven. Why don’t you call Sarah?”
“Okay. I wish you’d tell me more about the meeting.”
“I know, but I can’t… at least not right now.”
Emmy went into the kitchen and called her friend. Deep down inside she wanted to go with Grammie to the coven’s secret meeting place. “Hi Sarah.”
“What’s up?”
“Can you come over for a while?”
“I thought you were contagious.”
“No, I’m not. I have a bug, that’s it. Will you come by?”
“When?”
“Now?”
“Sure. Be right there.”
Emmy ended the call and went to see Grammie.
“When will Sarah arrive?”
“She’s on her way.”
“Good. Why don’t you fix a snack? There are cookies in the cupboard.”
“What if she wants to know what’s wrong with me?”
“Stick with the illness story. It’s the best we can come up with now.”
The doorbell chimed. “I’ll get it.” Emmy fairly ran from the room, anxious to see and spend time with her friend.
Sarah came inside. “Hey. You look good.”
“Thanks. I’m feeling better.”
“That’s great.” Sarah followed Emmy into the kitchen. “Hi Grammie.” She called out.
“Nice to see you, Sarah. How are your parents?”
“They’re fine. Thanks.”
“What’s up?”
Emmy pulled out her assignments. “Can you give these to Miss Norris and pick-up my next few assignments for me?”
“Sure thing. Emmy, will you tell me what’s really going on?”
“I don’t know what you mean.” Emmy led her friend into the kitchen and served milk and cookies.
“I think you do. You’re keeping secrets from me. I can tell. You’re not a good liar.”
“I’m not lying to you. There are things I can’t talk about.”
“Like what?” Sarah leaned in to hear the secrets she thought Emmy would divulge.
Emmy also leaned forward. “I can’t talk about it.”
Sarah pulled away and sat up straight. “I guess you really don’t trust me.
“It’s not that. This is more Grammie’s secret than mine, so it’s not up to me.”
Sarah glanced at Grammie who sat in her favorite chair, her eyes focused on the program she pretended to watch. “Well, since it’s her secret, I’ll let it go… for now.”
“Good.”
They had their snack and spoke of school and graduation. They continued to make plans Emmy didn’t see happening anymore, but enjoyed planning her life with Sarah.
“It’s almost dinnertime, I’d better get home.” Sarah stood and waited for Emmy.
“Here’s my homework.”
“I’ll drop by on my way home from school tomorrow.”
“Thanks Sarah, I really appreciate this.”
“No problem, but when Grammie lets you talk about this secret, I want to be the first person you tell.”
Emmy laughed. “I promise.” She wanted to tell her best friend all she’d been through. It’s hard keeping secrets from her. Emmy needed someone to talk to. Well, at least she had Ayden, but it wasn’t the same as talking to her friend. She wanted to talk to her girlfriend about her feelings for him. She c
ouldn’t exactly tell Ayden how strange she felt whenever he looked at her. She knew she was young, but that didn’t mean she couldn’t think about a gorgeous guy she knew, and liked.
After Sarah left, Emmy sat down in the family room. Her eyes partially trained on the older woman in the chair and the program on TV. She wondered if there will ever come a time, when she’d be able to speak freely with Sarah about this. Doubtful. Having been sworn to secrecy, the only people she could confide in were Grammie and Ayden.
“Sarah’s gone.”
“I know how difficult it is for you to keep this a secret. I’m doing this to protect you both.”
“I know, but she’s my best friend and I feel like I betrayed her.”
“No, you haven’t. What you’re doing is shielding her from harm.”
“What do you mean?” Emmy sat on the sofa and faced her grandma.
“If Grisandole found Sarah, she’d torture her to get her secrets, and force us out of hiding. You could lose Sarah completely.”
“Maybe I shouldn’t have called her over.”
“We’ll keep her safe. At least no one knows who you are or where you live. That’s why I didn’t mind if Sarah came over, should the time come and there’s trouble, we’ll make other arrangements. Ayden is always at his post and I’m certain he’d never allow any harm to befall Sarah.”
“That’s true. He’s really nice.”
“Yes, he is.” Grammie smiled at her granddaughter. “I’ll leave after dinner. I’m sure Ayden will stand watch.”
“Maybe, I’ll ask him in.”
“You like him.”
Emmy blushed. “I guess. He’s fun and I can talk to him about being a witch and about magic. I need someone like that right now.”
“That’s true. I think you should ask him in. At least I’ll know you’re safe if he’s here with you.”
“I will.” Emmy smiled, happy that she’ll have some company this evening. Maybe she could try a spell or two with Ayden. If it goes crazy again, he’ll know how to stop it from doing too much damage.
“I’ll speak with him before I leave.”
“Can I help you with dinner?”
“Of course.”
After dinner, Emmy cleared the table. “I’ll wash the dishes while you get ready to leave.” Emmy tried to help Grammie as much as possible. She wasn’t as young as she used to be and Emmy couldn’t sit around while her grandma did all the work around the house.
Emmy and the Coven of Witches Page 12
