“Thank you, Sweetie.” She went up to her room and returned a few minutes later, cloak in hand. She balled it up and put it into a black bag she always took to the meetings. She sat down and sighed heavily.
Emmy was at her side in a flash. “What is it?”
“Nothing. I have to leave.”
“Maybe you should stay home and rest.”
“No, I have to be present at all the meetings.” She rose from her chair and made her way to the front door.
Emmy followed her. “Bye Grammie. Be careful out there. I don’t want anything to happen to you.” Emmy was sincere when she spoke those words.
“I’ll be fine. I’ll send Ayden in.”
She watched her departure, followed by Ayden’s arrival.”
“Grammie asked me to join you.” He entered the house.
“I know. I thought it would be fun to stay here together.”
“Thank you for your invitation. It gets dreary having to stand out there all alone, day after day.”
“I feel the same way having to sit inside alone. I’ve been getting quite lonely without anyone to talk to.”
“I noticed your friend Sarah came over.”
“Yeah. I gave her my completed schoolwork. She’ll be dropping off my new assignments every day.”
“That’s good. I’ll keep an eye out for her as well. You never know who could be watching the streets.”
“Thanks.” Emmy stated with sadness.
“I know how you feel Emmy, but things will get better. You feel as though you are a virtual prisoner, but it won’t last forever. You will set out to find the Crystal Wand and then, you’ll take your place at the head of the coven and then you’ll wish you had time to yourself.”
“It sounds exciting.”
“And dangerous.”
“I’m not sure what’s expected of me. I feel like I’m only getting a portion of what can and will happen once Grisandole is stopped.”
“As time goes by you will learn what is expected of you, and you will rise to the many challenges that will be cast upon your shoulders. That’s your future and there’s nothing you can do to change it. Remember, all any of us can do, is our very best.”
“It’s scary.”
“I know. I felt the same way when my parents were killed and I was left on my own.”
Emmy didn’t know if she should pry.
“I would rather not speak of them. At least not yet.”
“I understand. I’m sorry if I brought up such a sad memory.”
“I remember how sad I was, every time I thought about them, but as time moved on, I understood what happened, and I accepted life for what it was. The Professor took me into his home and his life.”
“Are you really happy?”
“Yes, I am.”
“I’m glad you came here to look out for me.”
“As am I.” His smile brightened the room and her heart.
CHAPTER 24
A SAD TIME
Grammie walked the streets, always searching for signs that Grisandole’s hags were lurking in the shadows. She tried not to call any undue attention to herself and as luck would have it, the downtown core bustled with patrons entering and exiting stores and restaurants. Grammie walked among the people hoping to get lost in the throng of Salem’s populace. She stopped before a building and looked around.
From the shadows, her fellow sisters stepped forward. Grammie placed her cloak on her shoulders and raised her hood to cover her identity, as she and her sisters entered the building.
Witches of all sizes, shapes and age moved into the main room dressed in similar attire to await the Mistress of the Coven of Orenda. A hush fell over the room when Malka descended the stairs.
“Why have you called this meeting?” A cloaked figure standing near the door called out in an accusatory tone that shocked everyone standing in the room, but no one as much as Malka and Marsilia.
“Please, Ladies, all of your questions will be answered. But the first order of business is as always, Grisandole and her hags.”
Murmurs echoed across the span of the sparse room, but quieted when Mistress Malka held up her hand. “Grisandole and her hags are scouting the area to find the Valittu.”
“Have we learned her identity?” The same voice travelled over the din of the room.
Malka looked out into the sea of faces, but failed to locate the owner of the voice. “No, we have not.” Her eyes searched the room.
Grammie also turned toward the voice. This meeting wasn’t only for the members of the Coven of Orenda. On the contrary, witches from other covens were welcome as a sign of unity. This opened the door for anyone, from any coven access to their meeting place.
“Who asked this question?” Mistress Malka demanded.
Silence ensued. A moment later and a young witch stepped forward. “Mistress, a woman standing next to me asked the question.”
“Where is she?”
“I don’t know. I tried to raise my hand, but the venomous look she gave me stopped me from turning her in. I’m sorry Mistress.”
Eliza was new to the coven and couldn’t be blamed for fearing another witch. “This location has been compromised. We must find another meeting place. We cannot remain here.”
Grammie stepped forward. “How could they find us so quickly?” She looked around accusingly.
“I don’t know. Someone here must have given the hags our location. If she comes forward now, we will be merciful. If not, when she is discovered and make no mistake, she will be discovered, her sentence will be her end.” Mistress Malka’s voice rang out and touched each member like a whip.
They waited… patiently, silently, but no one came forward. Everyone remained still. “Very well, when the traitor among us is found, she will be brought before the Coven where her punishment will be revealed and fulfilled. This is my decision. Meeting adjourned!” She stepped down and walked purposefully toward Marsilia. “Please stay.”
Grammie bowed her head in assent and waited for the room to clear. She stepped forward and waited.
Malka locked the doors and motioned for Grammie to follow her up the stairs to her living quarters, where she removed her robe and tossed it on a chair.
Grammie followed suit and sat down in her street clothes. She looked around the apartment. The kitchen was white with a fridge and stove and all the amenities a young woman living alone, needed. A table with six chairs took up most of the dinette.
Malka set the kettle on the gas stove, and prepared a tea for her and her guest. A few minutes later, she placed the tea and cakes on the table and took a seat across from her old friend.
“How is she?”
“Fine.”
“I heard what happened the other day. The hags are closing in on her.”
“Yes, they are. I’m happy Ayden found her and was able to neutralize the situation.” Grammie took a sip of her tea. She nibbled a sweet treat, but her eyes were trained on Malka’s face.
“Why is the Professor so involved in this?” Malka’s glare offended Grammie. For many years, Malka led this coven and for the first time Marsilia felt uncomfortable. She wondered what her Mistress was up to. Why would she ask her to stay only to use such a tone with her?
“He’s certain that it’s only a matter of time before this coven is at war with Grisandole and her hags. His only mission is to keep Emmy safe. He assigned Ayden to watch over her.”
“I’ve never met him and therefore, I don’t know if he’s trustworthy?”
Grammie put the chocolate cake back on her plate. “Yes, he is.”
“You sound confident.”
“I am. He saved Emmy’s life and for that, I am eternally grateful. He has pledged his loyalty to her and I believe he would give his own life to save hers. I have no doubts where Ayden is concerned.
”
“I’m happy to know she is protected, but I’m still unsure as to the Professor’s involvement with this coven.”
Grammie watched her Mistress and wondered why she didn’t fully trust the Professor or Ayden. “Is there something you need to tell me about the Professor?”
Malka leaned back in her cushioned chair and sipped from the china cup in her hand. “I was wondering why he came here, especially now.”
“To help protect the child.”
“Are you certain that is the only reason for his involvement?”
Grammie took a moment to mull her words over. They distressed her. “Do you feel otherwise?”
“Let’s just say, I’m uncertain.”
“Malka, I’ve known the Professor most of my life. I refuse to believe he’d harm Emmy. I trust him implicitly.”
“Why do you believe in him?” Malka pried.
“He’s the only person I would trust with my granddaughter’s life.” Grammie wasn’t sure what was happening between Malka and the Professor, but she knew the man, and knew he could be trusted. She wouldn’t allow anyone to jeopardize their relationship.
“Are you certain your trust isn’t misplaced?”
Grammie stared directly into her eyes. “No, it is not.” She put her cup down with a thud. “I have the right to know what’s going on!”
“Your name came up when we found out someone leaked information concerning Emmy.”
“What?” Marsilia was indignant. “How could you think I’d betray my coven or my granddaughter? That woman was responsible for the death of our queen and my daughter. This is more than an insult.” She stood up nearly knocking her chair over with the force of Malka’s insult.
“Sit down, Marsilia. In these times, we cannot blindly trust anyone. The Professor already put me through the ringer, it was your turn.”
“The Professor doesn’t trust me?” Grammie was shocked and then devastated. She always thought if there was one person on this planet who trusted her completelly, it was the Professor.
“No. He has complete faith in you, but I had to be sure. With all that’s happened I’ve interrogated our members. I wanted you to know this so you don’t think I’ve centered you out.”
Grammie leaned back in her chair, a little more relaxed. “I don’t appreciate being questioned like a traitor, but I understand.”
They spent the next hour talking and planning strategies.
“I’ll find us a new home. We’ll have to be even more careful not to attract attention. Grisandole and her hags are prowling the streets.”
“I know. I’ve taken Emmy out of school. I thought it was best if I kept her at home. I told Delphene Norris, her teacher about Emmy. I thought she could help safeguard her.”
“She’s the one person I would have chosen to help you. That’s why I wanted her to teach Emmy’s class.”
“You never told me that you’d sent Delphene to watch over Emmy at school.”
“I know. I never told her about Emmy, I only told her she had to care for this group of children. I asked it as a favor, and she complied. But don’t think I nonchalantly put her into this class. It took me some time to check her out thoroughly. Even though I believed she could be trusted, I had to be certain.”
“The coven is in danger, so I understand the necessity for additional precautions. Have we made any progress in discovering the traitor’s identity?”
“No. After tonight, I’m not sure if there is a traitor among us or has Grisandole actually managed to infiltrate our coven.”
Grammie thought for a moment. “You have a valid concern. I wonder if rallying the other covens in the surrounding towns was a good idea. The traitor can be amongst them as well. I think we’ll need to find another way of assembling our sisters. Perhaps for the time being we should keep the meetings private for our coven only and if we need the assistance from the other covens, we can summon them.”
“But we need their help. Without the others, we don’t stand a chance against Grisandole and her hags.”
“I know. I think we need to do something else… something that will help safeguard those around us.” Grammie smiled a wicked little smile as thoughts of how to handle the imminent danger swirled around her head.
“What do you propose?” Mistress Malka was ready to try anything if it meant keeping Emmaria and the coven safe.
“I think we should allow everyone to see each other at meetings. By wearing our hoods and floor length robes, we keep all identities a secret from each other, but not from our enemies. Once we don these outfits, Grisandole’s hags could follow us by dressing as we do.”
“I suppose you’re right, but I’m not sure if the sisters will agree to meeting without our official cloaks.”
“They’ll have to agree and those who fail to attend without robes will be subjected to special attention.”
“I’ll send word to the elders and gage their reaction.”
Grammie agreed to allow the other elders to make this decision. At least it was no longer her burden to bear. She had enough to worry about without having to make decisions for the entire coven. She finished her tea. “I’ll take my leave Mistress. I don’t want to leave Emmy alone for too long.”
“Thank you for staying after the meeting, Marsilia. I only hope we can catch this traitor before everything we’ve worked for all these years, is taken from us.”
“That is my greatest fear. Goodnight.”
Malka walked her guest out and watched her travel the street until she was gone from sight.
When Grammie entered her house, she heard laughter and smiled, thrilled her granddaughter had taken a shine to Ayden. At least her level of worry was minimized by his presence.
“Emmy! I’m home!” She entered the family room and found Ayden and Emmy playing cards.
“Hi Grammie. How was your meeting?”
“Fine. Everything alright?”
“Of course. Were you expecting trouble?” Ayden asked.
“No. But I like to check.”
“We’ll finish this game another time. I should take my leave.” Ayden stood.
“I’ll see him out. Please tidy up, Emmy.”
“Sure. See you later, Ayden.”
“Goodnight Emmy.” Ayden followed Grammie to the foyer. “What’s happened?”
Grammie’s surprised expression made Ayden smile. “How did you know? I keep my emotions under control.”
“The Professor calls it a sixth sense. I sensed your anxiety the moment you entered the house. What happened?”
“One of Grisandole’s hags, under the guise of being our sister, entered the meeting. We found out before any damage was done, but they are becoming bolder. I think there is trouble brewing to a level we never imagined.”
“And you want me to warn the Professor.”
“Yes.”
“It’s as good as done. I’ll leave immediately and speak with him on your behalf.”
“Thank you, Ayden.”
“I’m at your service, Grammie. Don’t worry. I won’t allow anything to happen to Emmy.”
“I know.”
Emmy, who wanted to know what they were trying to keep from her, stood in the kitchen and listened to the conversation. She returned to the family room wondering what this meant. Would they have to leave Salem? Would she be able to graduate with her classmates, or would her entire life take on new and unwelcome changes?
CHAPTER 25
THE TALE OF A CHILD
The following morning, the doorbell rang.
“I’ll get it, Grammie.” Emmy went to open the door. “Ayden! Hi! I didn’t expect to see you here this morning.” He looked particularly handsome in an emerald t-shirt and dark jeans. His hair was tied at the nape with a black ribbon, and Emmy thought he was the hottest guy in Salem.
“I hope I’m not intruding.” His smile made Emmy remember that he sensed her heightened emotions.
“Not at all, Ayden,” Grammie said, as she entered the room. “We were about to sit down to breakfast. Would you care to join us?”
“Thank you.”
They went into the kitchen. Grammie set about making French toast while Emmy set the table. She warmed the maple syrup and put the butter on the table. She poured Ayden and Grammie a cup of coffee and chose milk for herself.
“How did you know I drink coffee?” Ayden asked.
“I… I don’t know. I thought you did. Why?”
Grammie turned towards Emmy and Ayden. “Is there a problem?” She waited for a response.
“No. I only wanted to know how Emmy knew this about me. I’ve never had coffee in her presence.”
“Is there a reason why you need to know?”
“Yes. I felt a special connection to Emmy. We talked about it yesterday.” He looked at Emmy for confirmation.
She nodded.
“I felt as if you read my mind, seconds before I was going to ask for the coffee.”
“Are the two of you connected?” Grammie asked. “I’ve heard of this happening between two people, but I’ve never actually witnessed it.”
“Yes, I believe we are somehow connected.”
“How long have you known?” She asked Emmy.
“Ever since the day the hags came after me. When I felt trapped by the hags, I must have unconsciously sent an SOS and Ayden answered my call.”
“I’ve only ever read about this. That’s incredible.”
“Why?”
“Sit down.” Grammie’s features grew serious.
“Are you upset?”
“On the contrary.”
They sat around the table and ate, as Grammie began her tale.
“Many centuries ago, the witches and wizards of old predicted that one day, a young witch, of great power would be born to save the Coven of Orenda. She will unite the covens under the rule of the Crystal Wand. One day, the stars were perfectly aligned for this child’s birth and a girl child was born. The coven knew this child would one day become the Valittu and would be joined to a young wizard, who is destined to be her protector.” Grammie sipped her coffee. “I never made the connection, but now that you informed me of your bond, I know you must remain at Emmy’s side. It is where you belong.”
Emmy and the Coven of Witches Page 13
