Emmy and the Coven of Witches

by Janine Summers

  “That’s not possible, Grammie. Once the Professor has done what he came here to do, we will leave, and I will continue to travel with him in the Matchstick House.”

  “I understand, but that is what was foretold. I cannot change what was written all those centuries past.” Grammie poured some syrup on her French toast. “The two of you have been spiritually joined. I am at peace.”

  “What are you talking about?” Emmy listened to the tale but didn’t understand what she meant.

  “When I told you that you were the Valittu, I failed to mention the entire prediction. Until the Crystal Wand is found, he has been chosen as your protector. That’s why you are emotionally joined.”

  “As I’ve stated, I will leave Salem when the trouble has passed.”

  “I know Ayden. No matter where you are, the bond you share with Emmy cannot be broken. This was written a long time ago and now it has come to pass.”

  “So even if I leave Salem, I’ll sense her and vice versa?”

  “Yes.”

  “I think I understand. But how can I be deemed Emmy’s protector if I’m not here, but in the Matchstick House?”

  “What’s the Matchstick House?” Emmy asked. No matter how she tried to figure this out, she couldn’t. All this talk of being joined to Ayden, and the Matchstick House, was foreign to her. She wished Grammie or Ayden would tell her everything they knew, so she wouldn’t feel alienated.

  “It’s the name of the house the Professor and I occupy.” He glanced at Grammie who laughed.

  “Okay. What’s the joke?”

  “Nothing. It’s really nothing,” Ayden told her. He looked at Grammie in a conspiratorial manner.

  “Hmm.” Emmy didn’t believe him. “I know you’re keeping something from me. I can sense it, or have you forgotten that we’re connected.”

  “I don’t know if I’m going to like being attached emotionally to anyone.” Ayden’s eyes sparkled like jewels when he laughed.

  “How do you think I feel?” Emmy inquired. “I may sense your emotions, but you sense mine. That’s not exactly how I pictured going through life.”

  “True.”

  “Grammie, when do I have to find the Crystal Wand?”

  “I don’t know. The prediction never gave a time frame. All I know is when the time is right, you’ll find the wand. I don’t know anymore.”

  Emmy touched the napkin to her lips, wanting, but resisting the urge to question Grammie further. She knew when the time came she’d tell her everything she needed to know to find the wand, but until then she’d have to be patient, and continue to learn all she could about being a witch.

  “Ayden, was there a reason for your visit?”

  “Grammie, he doesn’t need an excuse to visit us.” She loved spending time with him. Not only did they have fun, but he was great to look at.

  “Of course not, I only meant we got sidetracked.”

  “Not at all. I thought to invite you both to the Witches’ Market.”

  “No, that is out of the question. Emmy cannot be seen out in the open.”

  “I understand, but now that she is one of us, I thought we could have a little fun. No one knows her identity. We will blend in with the patrons of the market.”

  “What did the Professor say?”

  “He said it may be exactly what’s needed.” He looked into Grammie’s eyes.

  “I see. I’m not sure I’m comfortable with this.”

  “At least no one knows who she is and Grisandole cannot enter the market.”

  “But if I join you on this outing, and someone sees us, they will put two and two together. This may give her identity away.”

  “With your permission, I could take her myself.”

  “I don’t know if that’s a good idea.”

  “What’s the Witches’ Market?” Emmy was excited at the prospect of leaving the house for a while.

  “The Witches Market is a grand place… a place where only our kind may venture. It is a place that must be experienced.”

  Grammie thought for a moment.

  “Grisandole and her hags cannot find the market or gain access to it. We know you must be from certain realms to enter. If there’s trouble, I give you my word that I will bring Emmy home.”

  “Please Grammie. I’d like to see this market.”

  Grammie smiled. “If the Professor thinks it’s safe, then I see no reason to deny you an adventure.”

  “Thanks Grammie.” Emmy hugged her. “When can we go?”

  “Whenever you’re ready,” Ayden told her as he stood and helped clear the breakfast dishes.

  “Ayden.” Grammie chastised him. “You’re a guest in this house.”

  “If there’s one thing I’ve learned, over time, is that if I want to be invited back, I must not make a nuisance of myself.”

  “I like your way of thinking,” Emmy chimed in, as she put the butter, syrup and milk away. “I’ll wash the dishes and then we can leave.”

  “I’ll take care of the dishes. You two run along.”

  “I’ll go change. This is so exciting,” Emmy said as she rushed out of the room, up the stairs and changed her outfit. She returned a few minutes later, and showed off her lavender summer dress and cream-colored gladiator sandals. “I’m ready.” Her hair was loose and hung down her back in waves.

  “You look lovely,” Ayden told her. “Shall we?” He held out his arm to her.

  “Ayden, a brief word.”

  He approached the older woman. “Please be careful. If you see any sign that Grisandole or one of her hags is there, please get Emmy back home.”

  “Don’t worry, Grammie, I will protect her with my life.”

  Emmy approached. “Is everything alright?” She looked at Ayden and then, glanced at Grammie. Their features were so serious, Emmy worried.

  “Fine. Let’s go.” They waved to Grammie, who stood on the porch and watched them.

  “Have a good time!” She called out, waving back at them.

  CHAPTER 26

  THE WITCHES’ MARKET

  Ayden led Emmy from the house and towards the heart of town. They passed stores, restaurants, places where people mingled and enjoyed everything Salem had to offer. They continued their journey through the park and stopped at the corner to wait for the light to change. Emmy looked at the tall bronze statue of what most people assumed was a witch, but in fact it was the founder of Salem, Roger Conant.

  They crossed the street and arrived at the Witch Museum. Ayden looked around, and led her around to the back of the building. He opened an old wooden door and faced a stone wall.

  “What are you doing?” Emmy asked, hoping they wouldn’t get caught by the caretakers. This was one of the most visited sites in Salem and someone was bound to see them sneaking around the back of the old church.

  “Watch.” Ayden removed his wand and inserted it into what resembled a lock. He turned it with a click. A bright light travel through the stone and a door appeared. It creaked open.

  “Cool!” Emmy looked on.

  Ayden pulled the door open. “After you.”

  Emmy stepped over the threshold and stopped, her eyes large, as she looked around. She stood in an outdoor market that was larger than anything she could have imagined. Cobblestone roads led to wonders she never knew existed in her town.

  Ayden took her hand in his and they made their way into the marketplace. Stores lined the cobblestone roadway. Booths of all shapes and sizes were set up to sell many wares. Tents in a myriad of color kept the hot sun from scorching the sellers and their merchandise.

  “This is awesome, Ayden! I never knew this existed.”

  “Now that you’re one of us, you’re welcome here anytime.”

  “Do you think Grisandole or her hags could show up here?”

  “Doubtfu
l. The stone wall doesn’t open for just anyone.”

  “When do I get a wand like yours?”

  “That’s up to your coven. I guess since you haven’t been introduced to them, your wand is being kept by the Mistress.”

  “When will Grammie take me to meet them?”

  “Again, I don’t know, Emmy. Until we know you’re safe, Grammie won’t bring you to meet the coven.”

  “I know. It’s not fair. I finally understand where I belong and someone like Grisandole comes here and forces me into hiding. I’d like to tell her what I think of her for doing this to us… to me.”

  Ayden smiled. “Perhaps one day, you’ll come out of hiding and you’ll get your chance.”

  “I hope so. In the meantime, show me around this place.”

  “My pleasure.” Ayden led her over to the first booth.

  Emmy looked at the many stones lying in burgundy velvet cases. A lovely woman with long, red hair and green robes stood behind the table serving a customer. The woman smiled at the older man who also wore odd clothing. If Emmy didn’t know any better, she’d think the man’s attire belonged in a historical museum.

  “These stones are amazing! What are they for?” She touched a lovely blue stone.

  “You’ll learn more about casting with stones, after Grammie has taught you more magic. You’ll learn to cast spells, make potions and use these stones to counter many forms of both white and black magic.”

  “Cool!” She followed Ayden to another booth where an older man was dressed to resemble the wizard Merlin, during a court appearance in Camelot. A pointy witch’s hat bathed in the color of a midnight sky, was dotted with sparkling stars that matched his robes, and gave him an authentic wizard’s look.

  A table covered with white linen held dark blue, velvet boxes. Emmy studied the many pendants carved from silver and gold. Each piece of jewelry held a special charm.

  Ayden explained the many uses for the attached charms. Some were for luck, some for love, health, safety, travel, confidence as well as the opposites. “There are also charms that represent the hateful side of witches.”

  “Is it really this fascinating? I wish I knew more about all the intricacies of magic. It’s like traveling to a new world and not knowing where you are.”

  “I believe it is very fascinating, but don’t forget, I’ve been practicing magic since I was barely able to walk. I’ve been involved with the magical world for years, so you need you give yourself more time. It will happen for you as well.”

  “How is it you can make me feel better about myself with a few words?”

  “I must be very good at this.” He smiled wickedly at her.

  Emmy laughed.

  Ayden looked at one pendant. A lovely golden heart filled with pink jade. “May I see this pendant?” Ayden took it and held the piece in his hand. He closed his eyes. The pendant took on a golden sheen. “I will take this one.” He returned the pendant and took out twenty-five gold pieces.

  The salesman carefully placed it in a dark velvet case and fastened the box. He gratefully accepted the money. “Thank you, young Sir.” The man bowed and watched the young couple walk away.

  Emmy watched Ayden put the box into his pocket. She wondered who the lucky recipient of this pendant was. Perhaps a girlfriend? She really didn’t know anything about Ayden’s personal life.

  “Let’s see what’s inside this store.” Ayden never explained his purchase to her, and this left her wondering why it bothered her so much.

  “Sure, I’m game.”

  Ayden opened the door and followed Emmy into the darkened interior. The store was cast in a warm glow from hundreds of candles. Emmy admired the many shapes, sizes and colors encased in the wax creations. Each candle held a different shape, and sat on the many shelves, tables and counters. At the back of the store, specially designed wax figurines were kept out of reach of customers. “These are great.” She stopped walking.

  “Candles like stones can, and are used in casting. They also work well when a boost is needed, be it for health, wealth or happiness. Each one is designed to help witches with their craft,” Ayden explained.

  “Some of these have very odd shapes and colors. I’ve never seen anything like this before.” She reached out to touch a black candle with ancient writings encircling the thick waxy handmade creation. Rivulets of wax trickled down one side. “The wax seems hot. I wonder why there’s no flame.”

  Ayden grabbed her hand. “Be careful, Emmy. Not everything in here is safe. Before touching any kind of candle or wax figure, you must make sure you know and understand its power.”

  “I’m sorry. I didn’t know.” Emmy pulled her hand back. “I guess there’s a lot I need to learn. I feel so ignorant when it comes to magic and all the different areas of power.”

  “I know. There’s no harm done, but for future reference, always know that what you touch can cause you or others in your life, danger or pain.”

  “Got it.” Emmy continued to walk around the store. She came upon a lovely pink candle formed like a rose. “This is beautiful,” Emmy told Ayden but didn’t touch it for fear of getting mixed up in something better left untouched.

  Ayden picked it up and brought the lovely rose to the counter. “Hello Ayden.” A young woman with long, black hair greeted him. She was at least ten years his senior, but nevertheless, she was striking. Her pale blue eyes shone beneath a mass of thick, black lashes.

  “Hello Candra. It’s nice to see you again.” Candra gave Ayden a brilliant smile.

  Emmy wondered at their relationship. This made Emmy wonder if Ayden had been to Salem before, and if so, why hadn’t he mentioned it to her.

  “Will this be all?” She inquired of her customers.

  “For now.” Ayden gave her three gold coins.

  Candra placed the rose in a glass box and handed it to Emmy who then looked at Ayden with wonder.

  “Go ahead. It’s yours.”

  “Really? Thanks Ayden.” She admired the rose nestled in the velvet cone of the glass box.

  “You’re welcome.”

  “Is there a special meaning for this type of candle?” Emmy was eager to learn everything she could about the different items used in magic, not to mention she wondered if it had some personal meaning. More and more she wanted to experience the many uses of normal everyday goods. She never thought that candles held such special meanings or dangers. She’d always thought a candle was something you lit for romance or when the power went out.

  “The color is soothing. Pink is the color of friendship and the style of the candle is related to love. You made a good choice.”

  “I thought it was beautiful.”

  “Remember when dealing with instruments of magic, even the most beautiful rose can harbor evil thorns.”

  “There’s so much I need and want to learn.”

  “And you will.”

  “I hope so.”

  “Don’t worry. It takes years of learning before you or anyone can master the different areas of magic.”

  “Such as?” They moved to the next store and entered.

  Emmy scanned the room and then, walked around admiring the many faces perched on the painted walls. She absorbed everything she encountered, never wanting this feeling to end. She wanted her contact with Ayden and magic to last forever.

  “On occasion, you will have need of these faces.”

  “I don’t understand.” Emmy didn’t know enough about the art to give her opinion. She looked at the beauty of the faces. Some were pretty while others could only be called grotesque and yet they were all quite magnificent.

  “You’ll be involved in ceremonies and celebrations, many of which will require stones, masks and candles. You’ll find that part of witchcraft most exciting.”

  “I can’t wait!”

  Ayden laughed. “It may be
a while before you’re able to come out into the open, but one day, you’ll take your place among your sisters.” He whispered.

  “I hope so. Staying at home, day after day makes me feel like a prisoner.”

  “I know how you feel. I’d feel the same way. That’s why I brought you here so you could have some time away from home, and at the same time, discover a little more about your background as a witch.”

  “Well, it means a lot to me. Thanks.” She smiled shyly at this handsome guy who’d become a very important part of her life.

  “My pleasure. Let’s see what else is out there.” His bright eyes shone.

  They crossed the cobblestone roadway and made their way toward a central booth where a tall man with long, stringy hair sold “Odds N’ Ends”. Bits of cloth and half used spools of colored thread hung from strings.

  Emmy glanced at everything with a sense of wonder. She leaned into Ayden. “Who’d buy half used spools?” She still thought of everything on a mortal plane. It was difficult for her to think of anything being something other than what she saw.

  “Every piece of cloth or spool can be used to cast.”

  “You’re kidding.” She approached the booth. “How could anything like this be used to cast a spell?”

  “Witches and wizards use many objects to cast spells, create potions and manipulate people and their lives.”

  “How can we do all those things?” Emmy couldn’t fathom this concept but wanted to know more about the craft. Then again, as Grammie always says, “Only you can control what you do”, and perhaps she was right. If Emmy stayed in control, no one could force her to betray her conscience. She was beginning to understand those words.

  “Are you hungry?” Ayden asked a little while later. He noticed it was well past noon and they’d been walking all morning.